The Glory of the Final Promise

“So the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had instructed them to go. And they saw him and worshiped him; but some were not sure. Jesus came and spoke to them, “All power,” he said, “is given to me in heaven and upon earth. Go, therefore, and make all nations my disciples, baptizing them…and teaching them to keep all the commandments I have give given you. And, Lo, I am with you throughout all days until the end of the age.”

Matthew 2:16-20

“Here we listen to the last words of Jesus to His men; and in this last meeting Jesus did three things:

(1) He assured them of His power. Surely nothing was outside the power of Him who had died and conquered death. Now they were the servants of a Master whose authority upon earth and in heaven was beyond all question.

(2) He gave them a commission. He sent them out to make disciples. It may well be that the instruction to baptize is something which is a development of the actual words of Jesus. That may be argued about; the salient fact remains that the commission of Jesus is to win men for Himself.

(3) He promised them a presence. It must have been a staggering thing for eleven humble Galileans to be sent forth to the conquest of the world. Even as they heard it, their hearts must have failed them. But, no sooner was the command given, than the promise was followed. They were sent out, as we are, on the greatest task in history, and with them there was the greatest presence in the world.

William Barclay

Blest to be a blessing, privileged to care,

Challenged by the need apparent everywhere.

Where mankind is wanting, fill the vacant place.

Be the means through which the Lord reveals His grace.

Add to your believing deeds that prove it true,

Knowing Christ as Savior, make Him Master, too.

Follow in His footsteps, go where He has trod

In the world’s great trouble, risk yourself for God.

Bryon J. Leech