The Presence of Jesus

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)

As you read today’s key passage, notice that what Jesus wanted His disciples then and now to know is we are not on our own. We are not by ourselves. We haven’t been thrown into the water without knowing how to swim. We have his presence. We have it particularly and intensely and most personally when we are carrying out His will for our lives.

As I look back at my life in following Jesus and you say to me, “When did you feel the presence of Jesus most in your life?” I can tell you for me and it goes right along with what Jesus promised here. I feel his presence most when I am doing what He has called me to do - when I am sharing the gospel, when I am telling people about Jesus, when I am trying to get people to trust and obey. I have never done it that I did not completely feel like Jesus was completely beside me.

Let me put it to you this way. Jesus is most real to me when I share that Jesus is most real to others. So we have one job. Let me make it plain that this one job is for time and space. It is for all places, for all time, and for all of us to carry out. That is why we should make disciples and get them involved in worship, discipling, serving and sending. We have His power behind us, His plan before us and His presence beside us.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of your constant presence. Thank you that you are always with me no matter where I am or what I’m going through. Please help me to find comfort and peace in that truth and to share that truth with others so that they can experience your presence as well. In Jesus’ name, amen.