Nougat 22

Have you ever been in a bad (scary or downright impossible) situation, trying to summon the courage to ‘do it afraid’, when help just appears? I have. And while it’s not a unique Christian experience, I believe that it underscores the promise of today’s Holy Nougat

“and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:20‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

This promise is found in the last sentence of the last chapter in Matthew. It is as though Matthew is saying to us that what-ever happened afterwards isn’t critical to the Good News of Jesus. And, in giving Jesus the last word there’s no other words necessary; but also the reader-hearer is likely to remember.

So have you identified the promise as yet? Yes, you got it in the ‘I am with you always.’ But the saying has qualifiers in either direction: ‘and remember’ at the beginning and ‘even to the end of time’ at the end. These are two very critical qualifiers, and we will also unpack those in the context of the promise.

And remember

Prior to those words, Jesus was giving the final instructions to the disciples prior to His ascension. He had already risen from the dead, proving His power over Death, and the task set before them could have been considered a bit daunting. Especially if Jesus ascended to Heaven. They were commissioned to preach, teach and baptize in the name and power of the Triune God.

Sounds simple and straight-forward until we recall that Matthew was the gospel-writer who mentioned Herod’s efforts to kill Jesus and who said Jesus basically promised a rough life to those who followed Jesus. It was a daunting task, even if we didn’t have the benefit of Acts to confirm that there was persecution and not perks added-on.

Then Jesus said, ‘don’t forget’ … it was a game changer. For, as they strove to fulfill their divine mandate, they had another task; something they were supposed to bear in mind …

I am with you ALWAYS

The disciples had experienced Jesus Who healed, Jesus Who miraculously fed 5000+ people, Jesus Who calmed the seas, Jesus Who had a wise response for everyone; Jesus, Who was their mentor, teacher and friend; Jesus Who gave their lives new meaning. They knew, especially after the Resurrection, that what Jesus said would be fulfilled; no matter how strange or impossible it seemed.

And Jesus promised to be with them at all times, through all they would face – on their own or together. It would be as if He hadn’t gone – not quite. But it was a reassurance that they were not alone with the daunting tasks they faced! (Of course, it could also mean Jesus would see if they didn’t obey, but that’s a different story). And He promised to be with them all the time! Now that’s what I call reassurance!

to the end of the age

Popularized by both Johnny Mathis and Elvis Presley, ‘The 12th of Never’ was written in the late ‘50s, promising undying love to someone who wanted the assurance that love was true. I often wonder whether songwriters, Jerry Livingston and Paul Francis Webster, read Matthew 28:20 for their inspiration. Just think, the promise of Jesus extends to the end of the age, ie for all time as they knew it.

And, while we might ask whether the age of the disciples has ended; the greater bit for us is when we apply the commission and the promises to our own lives. Oh yes, it has reuse value for us also. So if the promise applied and was honored we also have the assurance that Jesus is with us – no matter what our situation looks like – until the end of the age.

That’s why, while I am thankful for the natural support and rescue in those daunting moments mentioned in the intro; I recognize that it is God’s Spirit at work in Jesus name. For sure I am never alone. For a fact, you are not alone – not now, not ever! We hold on to that sure promise and in times of trouble; we cry out to the One Who is with us always – Jesus our Christ!

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May all we seek be found in Christ