40 Days of Praise - Day 37
Day 37
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age
Matthew 28:20b
Our Lord never said that following him would be easy. There are, of course, seasons when things go exceptionally well. When we are walking with the Lord and ministry is fruitful, relationships are rich, we are seeing family and friends walking with God, along with us – those are good days.
But Jesus said there would also be difficulties, days when we would be misunderstood, days when we would face trials of various kinds. He even said that it was possible that, because people hated him, they would hate us. But he spoke through His servants to remind us that with every temptation, He makes a way of escape, and with every trial, he gives grace. He tells us not to be anxious, but to humble ourselves under His hand of protection, and when the time is right, he will exalt us.
Today’s verse is literally the last sentence of the gospel of Matthew. Jesus has risen from the dead and has gathered His Apostles and commissioned them to make disciples. They are to spread out and take the message of His resurrection. They are to baptize those who believe, immerse them Into the reality of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. And they are to teach them to obey, to observe, to live out all that Jesus commanded and taught.
That was bound to rub some people the wrong way. It would make them some enemies, as well as some very dear friends. But Jesus told them not to worry because there would never, ever be a time when they would be alone. “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
So when they spread out across the known world, carrying the good news of Jesus, they had the promise of the One that they came to know as the son of God, the one who rose again from the dead and who has declared that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him -- this One has said He will never leave them, He will never forsake them.
And He extends that promise to me and you. Jesus never leaves us alone.
Hallelujah!
Charles M. Butler
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age
Matthew 28:20b
Our Lord never said that following him would be easy. There are, of course, seasons when things go exceptionally well. When we are walking with the Lord and ministry is fruitful, relationships are rich, we are seeing family and friends walking with God, along with us – those are good days.
But Jesus said there would also be difficulties, days when we would be misunderstood, days when we would face trials of various kinds. He even said that it was possible that, because people hated him, they would hate us. But he spoke through His servants to remind us that with every temptation, He makes a way of escape, and with every trial, he gives grace. He tells us not to be anxious, but to humble ourselves under His hand of protection, and when the time is right, he will exalt us.
Today’s verse is literally the last sentence of the gospel of Matthew. Jesus has risen from the dead and has gathered His Apostles and commissioned them to make disciples. They are to spread out and take the message of His resurrection. They are to baptize those who believe, immerse them Into the reality of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. And they are to teach them to obey, to observe, to live out all that Jesus commanded and taught.
That was bound to rub some people the wrong way. It would make them some enemies, as well as some very dear friends. But Jesus told them not to worry because there would never, ever be a time when they would be alone. “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
So when they spread out across the known world, carrying the good news of Jesus, they had the promise of the One that they came to know as the son of God, the one who rose again from the dead and who has declared that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him -- this One has said He will never leave them, He will never forsake them.
And He extends that promise to me and you. Jesus never leaves us alone.
Hallelujah!
Charles M. Butler
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