Our scripture this week is Matthew 28:16-20.
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus promised to be with us “to the very end of the age” (v. 20). This is the basis of our comfort and strength through our faith in Him. God sends the Holy Spirit, not as a replacement for Christ being with us, but as a new way of knowing both the Father and the Son.
Jesus came to be with us and teach us, now it is up to us to show we are able to live as He asked. He knew we would have issues, living in a world that often rejects His message, but His presence through the Holy Spirit enables us to stand firm. When life seems to make no sense, we can call on Him for aid.
“O Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end” the old hymn says, and that is our charge through the Great Commission to go and make disciples. Our very purpose in being is to serve the risen Savior. This is why Jesus promised to be with us, to help and guide us, that at the end we may be together eternally.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for Your call on our lives, to share the Good News of Your kingdom everywhere. Make us strong to do the work that is laid out for us. In Your name we pray, Amen.