Matthew 28:20 9/8/2020*

“ I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

This verse is so familiar to us that we must be careful not to miss its impact.

The ascension of Jesus was at hand, so He looked at His disciples and said: “I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS” …. In the original language every word of that statement was emphatic. 

This was not a farewell. It was a declaration of a continuing presence from the Creator…. a promise of immeasurable importance. – offering a perfect relationship with God which had not been obtainable since the Garden. 

On the Cross, God turned His back on His own Son so He would never have to turn His back on you...because of that - Christ said -  I am with you now…and I will be with you forever.

Jesus’ statement was not only directed at Peter, James and the rest…He was talking to you and me.

This is our salvation statement…It is the anchor that holds us through the storm. “I am with you” is the promise that takes us from victim to victorious. It separates Christianity from religion…We are His temple. His presence resides with us - we are inseparable.

If you believe that Jesus is eternally with you – What power can harm you? Whether you are in a global crisis - or you are privately holding the hand of a terminally ill loved one…There is still that promise…YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

We all have moments when we feel abandoned…when our soul feels empty…but according to this scripture He is always there. 

He weeps with you when you are broken – He smiles when you rally back from your grief. -  He guards your heart when it breaks and catches the pieces to put it back together again. He laughs when you are joyful…. There are no paths that you walk alone. There is nothing that can separate you from Him …NOTHING.

What a great assurance...what a great foundation…What can intimidate you? You are loved – you are redeemed - and your salvation is permanent. 

Walk in the promise of Christ’s presence - and from that position of security confidently offer the love you undeservedly received from your Father - to those who don’t deserve it from you. 

“Do you not realize that the love the Father bestowed on the perfect Christ - He now bestows on you?”  - Charles Spurgeon