Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28: 16 – 20, NKJV.
Heavenly Father and Creator, we thank You that You have not left us alone in this hostile world. You have called us out of darkness to take Your light to a world that has become darkened by sin. Please help us to be faithful in doing Your bidding. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we pray. Amen.
There are so many lonely people in our world today. Some are lonely because of the decisions they made earlier in life. Some are lonely because they never found a life partner that they considered suitable. Others are lonely because of many diverse reasons, some complex, some simple. In any situation, I do not believe that loneliness feels good. One of the complexities of loneliness, is that you can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. I believe that loneliness, is more a feeling, than an actual condition or situation. Today we will concentrate on Jesus’ promise to be with His followers always, and forever!
Our Scripture for today relates a part of what took place shortly before Jesus returned to heaven. On the day of His resurrection when the ladies arrived at the tomb, Jesus had already risen. The angel, keeping watch, gave them a message, “Do not be afraid, I know that you are looking for the crucified Jesus, but He is not here. He has risen, just like He said. Go and tell His disciples that He has gone ahead to Galilee.” While they were on their way, the Savior Himself, met them, and confirmed the message, “Do not be afraid, go and tell my brothers [and sisters] that I will meet them in Galilee” (Matthew 28: 1-10, my personal paraphrasing).
The weekend of the crucifixion must have been a very lonely time for Jesus’ disciples. They had each other, but the Savior was missing. He was the heart of their little company. He was the hope, and joy, and foundation of the group, and now He was dead! How tragic their lot. How sad, how lost, how lonely, they must have felt! Jesus knew that. Remember, “. . . we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4: 15). “Jesus knows our every weakness,” because He walked in our moccasins! And He cares! So He did not allow them to face an empty tomb without a message of hope! He did not allow them to be overcome with loneliness!
One of the very negative side effects of loneliness is fear. The Savior knows this. As I have said many times in the past, fear paralyzes, and makes victims out of us. But no child of God needs to be a victim of anyone, or anything. We do not have to experience loneliness, ever! It does not matter if you are an orphan, a widow or widower, a divorcee, you never need to be lonely! Society may marginalize you; you may not fit in with the status quo; your own flesh and blood may disown you. But today, Jesus says to all who belong to Him; and all who are willing to come to Him right now – as He said to His disciples, “Do not be afraid. I am with you, and I will be with you, forever!”
Now, isn’t that Good News? Amen and Amen!