Daily Devotions are published Tuesday-Saturday during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Matthew 28:16-20 (NRSV)
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore 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 that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’
Devotion
These are the last verses in Matthew’s Gospel. They encapsulate why we are here as a church. Jesus tells us, to “go and make disciples of ALL nations,” that not only is everyone welcome, but we are instructed to share Christ’s teachings with them. But the final verse is the verse that I find most comforting in the entire Bible – that Christ is with us always, for all time, “until the end of the age.” We are never alone.
Even in the midst of this pandemic when everything has changed, we are not alone. At a time when schools and businesses are closed, when online classes and meetings on Zoom are the norm, Jesus is with us. At this time of social distancing, when we can’t be with our families and friends, He is with us. The economy has stopped and many are out of work, but God is with us. At a time when doctors and nurses and hospitals are overwhelmed, when people are dying without their loved ones nearby, we are not alone. Amid all these uncertainties, when no one knows how long it will last, one thing is certain. Jesus is with us. Life will go on. Love and caring will live on. Spring has come, and one day this will all be behind us. We have the assurance that Jesus is with us always, to the end of the age.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for sending Jesus to assure us that in the good times and bad, we are not alone. Even as our world has changed and we are all facing uncertainties, thank you for reminding us that you are with us. Help us to know how we can do your work, to comfort and support others, to share your word and your love. Amen
Claire Grossi