Message from Scripture: 9/4/2020

Our message from Scripture today is Matt. 28:20; “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

There are some interesting thoughts expressed in these words. The term behold, or lo, is a term that is used to call attention to something external to oneself. In this case, Jesus uses it to grab their attention about something He does for them. One translation uses the term, “remember.” The term end means to accomplish, to bring to a completion, bringing together of an intended purpose. The word age refers to the end of time, the completion of the gospel era. So, what is it Jesus wanted them to remember? From that point onward, until the very end, Jesus was working with them to bring about His intended purpose. They would not go it alone, but in preaching, teaching, and living the gospel, He would always be with them. What does the ever-abiding presence of Christ mean to us today?

Christ is always present to commend us. Peter reminds us, “The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Pet. 5:10). He is with us to remind us of what is good in how we serve Him.

Christ is always present to counsel us. Through His word we have an inexhaustible supply of advice in how to live in Him. This is why Paul tells us to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly (Col. 3:16).

Christ is always present to comfort and cheer us. He reminds us to always live in faith, not fear. He tells us, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

We know all this is true, because He told us to never forget, in everything, He is with us throughout the days of our lives, until time gives way to eternity. Have a great day today, knowing our Lord is always with us. God bless.

Robert