“…and remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

One of the questions we ask when we are enjoying something in life is “How long will it last?”

How long do we get to play at the theme park? How long is the vacation? How long are our good friends staying? The twelve people we call the disciples got to spend three years walking and talking with Jesus, and then very quickly it was over.

The death of Jesus, at the age of only 33, came way too soon for His good friends. We can only imagine how hard His physical death hit them. And yet, on the third day after His crucifixion, they heard of His resurrection. Death had not conquered the Son of God, He was alive. Then, for about 40 days, Jesus walked and talked with them again. Their grief was gone, and in spite of their initial disbelief they were overcome with joyful amazement, their Lord was back. Until it was time for the ascension, as Jesus prepared to return to the Father in heaven. Was it time for more of the sadness of separation? No. Jesus had one last line of good news.

…and remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

How long would it be until His followers felt His presence again? No time at all. Jesus soon to be lifted to heaven and vanish from their sight, but He wasn’t leaving. Even though they might not see Him, He would be right there.

That was good news for them, as they felt His presence with them from that day on. And it is good news for us. We might not see Jesus, but we feel Him. He is the warmth that embraces us as we hear of God’s loving forgiveness. He is the peace that passes understanding. He is the sense of calm that comes as we pray for guidance and grace. How do we know that?

He is with us always, to the end of the age.

Prayer

God, remind me today, and every day, of Your presence in this world, and in my life. I pray for this presence promised to us followers by our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.