TO THE END OF THE AGE
Richard Harris
Today’s Scripture: “… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of age.” Matthew 28:20 ESV
Theme: The call to continue learning, celebrating in God’s presence, and sharing Him with others continues indefinitely.
HE IS WITH US ALWAYS
Jesus told his disciples that He is “with us always, to the end of age,” and that promise has stood for the past two thousand years, as new disciples believe and begin to follow our Savior. His promise to be with us always applies, even in this ever-changing world. As we grow in our walk to get personal with Him, we learn what Jesus commands, and we get to share that with others, in all walks of life.
DON’T PUSH HIM AWAY
A shepherd knows his sheep. Trust develops when the sheep also know their shepherd. God knows us. As His sheep, how well do we know Him? As we get to know Him, how do we show our commitment to Him? Showing our commitment can be an external sign of our internal knowledge and love. Baptism demonstrates this: one of our first steps of obedience. We thus start our journey through life with Jesus, our entry into discipleship. Truly knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior confirms to us that He is infinitely wise and trustworthy.
As His sheep, we learn to live as He lived, abiding by His Word. The truth will set us free (paraphrase of John 8:31-32). Do not push Him away, by merely knowing about Him as you would know of a good man or teacher but rather knowing Him as your Savior. Confess your need for Him. Turn to Him and learn from Him. You can help others by sharing this discipleship journey of commitment to our Shepherd.
LOVE LIKE HIM
When Jesus commanded His disciples to “love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34b, ESV), He is treating love as a verb—an act of service rather than just a feeling. Look at things and people the way Jesus looked at them. Love like He did. Bear fruit like Him. Keep in step with the Spirit. I paint Bible verses on rocks, to be shared with others. One of my favorites is the Galatians reference to the Fruit of the Spirit: Joy, Love, Peace, Faithfulness, Kindness, Patience, Goodness, Gentleness, and Self-control (5:22-23, ESV). “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit” (5:25, ESV).
This spiritual fruit is a big part of my walk with Him, as I learn to be a true disciple in service and love like Him. It happens, perhaps not instantly, but over a lifetime. With what I have gained through my Shepherd, and my Friend, I can use the Fruit of the Spirit as a good way to start sharing Him with others.
Never stop those opportunities to have people come forth and decide to join you in following Christ. We can grow in our relationship with God and continue to die to ourselves. Helping lead others to Jesus is obedience to His command. That is growth … for us, and those we touch.
Make it Personal: You must start somewhere. There are many entry points to living and following Him. Get personal with Him. Choose to live like Christ instead of the world. It will be your moment towards a lifetime of fruit-bearing. You are not alone on this journey. As Jesus told us, in today’s Scripture, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Love others as Jesus loved.
Pray: Thank You, LORD, for guiding and providing my way. Your words are most wise and guide me in all I do. I confess, LORD, that I can sometimes deviate from that way and fail You. It is my intent on this earthly journey, to continue learning, celebrating Your presence, and sharing Your with others. Thank You for every opportunity. Please help my will and desires align with Your own, as I celebrate Your presence in all I do. All this, I ask, praise, and pray in the Name of Your Son - my Savior - Jesus Christ. Amen.
Read: John 13:34-35, Jeremiah 31:33, Galatians 5:13-18, 22-26
Weekly Memory Verse: “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39, ESV