Jesus teaches that he will always be with his followers.
Matthew 28:20 And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
These are the very last words of Jesus that Matthew records in his gospel. He wants us to know that we are not alone in our biggest successes or our worst failures. He will always be with his followers. No qualifications. When we fail due to incompetency, brokenness, or our own bad choices, he is still there with us!! When things are going well and we think we don't really need his guidance, he is right there too. Even when the world turns on us... he is there! He isn't just watching from a distance - he is with us!! He is experiencing our lives with us.
How does this knowledge affect us? Might we take more risks knowing he is taking the risk with us? Might we follow him and his teachings even when the personal benefit is negligible and the personal sacrifice is huge? Might we forgive and love even when the chances are high that the forgiveness and love won't be returned - when hatred and meanness will be thrown in our faces? Will we interpret our lives - even the sorrow and tragedy - knowing he is right here with us?
Do we ignore the last words Matthew records from Jesus: "I will always be with you" and do we live like he meant it?
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