Matthew 28:20
After giving the church her irreversible and seemingly formidable assignment, Jesus then reassures the church with nothing less than His very own personal, vital presence. In fact, this is how the gospel writer Matthew, chooses to close out his gospel narrative, not with his own words but with the actual personal, direct speech of the master. It comes straight from His lips to our ears and hearts. He said, not the prophets, the wisdom writers or the apostles, but He said after all is said and done “… And lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20).
Nothing excites us more, especially in these last days of Covid-19 and the delta strain and all the sadness and pain of these modern days, eschatalogical times – “… and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (v20). Church of God, let’s get excited again with great joy that even today we have the remarkable energy, liveliness and force of the Godhead of the universe walking, talking and abiding with us as we continue to navigate our journey home.
He, who caused us to be and who is absolutely essential to our existence, continuance and well-being, travels with us, day by day and through the ups and downs of the everyday of this life. He who is indispensable to the universe and to the church, has chosen to tabernacle with us and to meticulously shepherd us through all the twists and turns of this exciting expedition on which He has intentionally sent us.
Nothing comforts the church more! This is the best message and news we can ever share with the brethren and our loved ones, the fact that we are divinely accompanied! Nothing troubles the demons more than this promissory note, coming from the Savior’s own infallible lips, “… and, lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” It takes the reader jauntily back to the opening chapter of this very gospel when Matthew records the prophets as saying “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Frankly, this has been the roughest two years for so many – physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. When some thought they were coming out and things would get better, it only got worse, the night got darker, and the trials intensified. For many, it just seemed like a bad dream. They keep looking for a silver lining and something for which to hold on. I mean people are just plain scared and frightened out of their wits. However, it is to all so terribly affected, these words are specifically addressed: “. . . I am with you always . . .” Jesus said.
Maybe I should close by reflecting a little about who it is who spoke these words to us. Concerning Him, the Medieval scholars remind us that “His center is everywhere, and His circumference is nowhere,” reminding us that He is infinitely limitless. It is said that “He is the measurer of all measurements, but He cannot be measured. He also said that, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). Therefore, just because of His phenomenal majesty, we take great comfort in knowing that He is constantly with us. Like Matthew, we simply conclude by saying – “Amen” (Matthew 28:20).
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
