…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20 NKJV
My DAD joke self has to start out on this one. Why do some old timers refuse to fly in an airplane? Jesus said, “Low, I am with you always.”
These are the last recorded words of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew. The resurrected Jesus is giving his last charge to his disciples as he ascends into heaven. We call verses 19 and 20 the Great Commission in which Jesus tells us to “Go into all the world and make disciples…”
I want to focus on the last sentence on this Fear Not Friday. Jesus, the one with all power and authority, the risen Savior, the God Man, our Redeemer, our Lord, our Messiah, our forgiver of all of our sins, states that He will be with us always.
“Lo” is a term meaning Behold or Look. We might raise our voice and say, “Listen to this because it is really important”. What follows is no less important than the previous instructions to “go into all the world”. “Pay very close attention to what I am saying next”, Jesus is saying.
“I am with you always”. From the Pulpit commentary which states much of what is on my heart. I am with you alway (ἐγὼ μεθ ὑμῶν εἰμι πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας). Every word is emphatic. The Ascension was at hand; this implied an absence of his visible presence, to be replaced by a spiritual presence, more perfect, potent, effectual, infinite. It is I myself, I, God and Man,who am (not “will be”) henceforward ever present among you, with you as Companion, Friend, Guide, Saviour, God. I am with you in all your ministrations, prayers public and private, baptisms, communions, exhortations, doctrine, discipline And this, not now and then, not at certain times only, but “all the days” of your pilgrimage, all the dark days of trial and persecution and affliction; all the days when you, my apostles, are gathered to your rest, and have committed your work to other hands; my presence shall never be withdrawn for a single moment.
Even to the end of the age. World events have changed so much in the last few years to align with the signs of Jesus’ return. I am not sure when He is coming, but I know it is closer now than yesterday. No matter the turbulence of the “days”, Jesus has promised to remain with us to the end of time…His return.
Let’s land the plane for today. Through the gift and promise of the presence of the Holy Spirit within the followers of Jesus, He maintains a continual abiding presence. You need not fear anything that you might have to endure for you will never be alone. Even when you have made selfish decisions, the presence of Jesus remains with you.
He is especially with you when you are advancing the kingdom of God by going into the world to make disciples. Notice the promise is attached to the commission. Make it your challenge to go and make disciples and observe how the presence of Christ will empower you to accomplish His purpose on the earth.
On this Fear Not Friday, remember and enjoy the abiding presence of Jesus the Christ. May you walk with Him and talk with Him along life’s way.
Blessings Love y’all