Departures are funny things in the Bible. No one ever completely leaves.
Moses dies, but Joshua, a new Moses, replaces him. Elijah flies to heaven in a chariot of fire, but Elisha is left behind, filled with the spirit of Elijah. Jesus says, I am going away, and in the next breath adds, I will come to you.
Paul tells the Colossians, “Though I am absent in the body, I am with you in Spirit.” As usual, “Spirit” needs to be capitalized.
The Holy Spirit fills gaps in space. He bridges heaven and earth so Jesus can be with the disciples even when he’s not, and He joins Paul to Colossae. Through the Spirit, Paul leaves traces of himself everywhere, people who have heard Jesus by hearing Paul, who imitate Christ by imitating His apostle. And each church left its mark on Paul.
Dear Reader,
Can I be direct with you?
War abroad. Socialists on the rise. AI upending human life. Endless uproar online. The modern attention economy doesn’t want readers — it wants users enslaved to the tyranny of the present.
First Things is the antidote: literary excellence, timeless truths, and a fixed point of reference in a culture that has lost its bearings.
But we can’t do it without readers like you.
Our goal: Raise $150,000 by November 1 to sustain First Things in the year ahead.
Your gift anchors readers in the permanent things.
Make your Fall Campaign gift now using the button below.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Giovanni Del Piero, Director of the Editor’s Circle, at gdelpiero@firstthings.com or 212-627-1985.
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