God Is There 2

Matthew 28:19-20

I remember when I first started school. Tony Mayor, the boy next door, was my age so we walked together to Kindergarten, about three-quarters of a mile through the suburb where I grew up. It was a frightening prospect, the two of us going off on our own every day. But one thing that made it easier was that Tony’s mom walked behind us that first week.

We had the task of going to school, but she went with us from the house to the school, walking behind us the whole way, carrying a walking stick to fend off any bullies or dogs. I must admit the idea of going to school was much easier knowing Mrs. Mayor was right behind us.

At the end of Matthew we have Jesus speaking to his disciples, offering them a charge. What are they to do? What promise is given?

The term “comfort zone” appears to have lost some of its popularity in our current culture, but years ago it seemed that all I heard was about being in or out of our comfort zone. The focus was on what you were okay with – what doesn’t bother you and what does bother you?

I frequently preached that there are no comfort zones for anyone who follows Christ. And here is a perfect example. Jesus is leaving and he is telling his followers what they should do with the rest of their lives. Go! Go out into the world and make disciples. Preach. Teach. Baptize. Spread the word of God.

And this is not going to be a simple task, but there is one wonderful promise made. Jesus will be with all of those who do his work. He will be with them in the good times and in the tough times. He will be with them in the frightening times and the challenges. He will be with them always – ALWAYS – forever, until the end of time.

We are supposed to do the work of Christ – spread the word, preach, teach and make more followers. And that idea can be very frightening. But we need to remember that Jesus is with us in all that we do. We are never alone. He is right behind you as you go to do his work.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can help you remember the promise of Christ?

Invitation to Service 4

Matthew 28:18-20

One of my favorite stories was told to our group when I was studying to be a lay speaker. The story was about a Native American boy who was put through the rites of passage to become an adult. He was tested in many skills – hunting, fishing, running, and so on. His final test was being left in the dark woods in the middle of the night to remain there until daybreak, alone.

He spent a fearful night in the dark and cold. Every sound and movement was terrifying, but he stayed where he was supposed to be. As the darkness faded to gray with the pre-dawn light he saw something not far from him that he did not recognize. A little frightened at first, he kept his eyes on the figure until the light increased enough to see what it was. It was his father who had stood near him the entire time.

Today’s passage is a large portion of “The Great Commission.” What are Jesus’ instructions? What is the assurance?

This is one of the last things Jesus spoke to his disciples. Before ascending into heaven Christ gives this commission, or the authority for ministry. Make disciples of all people. Teach them also to spread the good news. Baptize them so that they know they are forgiven, and that they may be reminded that they too should be in ministry.

And the final assurance is that Jesus will be with us always. What a profound statement and what a profound promise. These are the words that have comforted me and sustained me for years and years. These are the words I trusted when I entered ministry and the words I lean on when ministry gets tough.

We are not alone. And not only do we have a companion and helper, we have the greatest and most wonderful of companions and helpers. With Christ at our side we can endure anything.

After we have readied ourselves for ministry, after we trust that God will provide for our ministry, we must respond by doing ministry. And as we respond by doing ministry, we must rest in the assurance of Christ’s constant presence.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can remind you of the eternal presence of Jesus?