"...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 ESV
Throughout Scripture, we read of numerous instances God promised His people He would always be with them, never to leave them. Verses like Isaiah 41:10, Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5 and Matthew 28:20. A very present help in times of distress, God's promises remind us of His love, patience and faithfulness.
We all cling to these truths, even if we have/had loving earthly fathers. For others, they're reminders that our heavenly Father, unlike their earthly fathers, can be depended upon and trusted.
This is a truth many young people need to hear and believe. Whether it be fathers, grandfathers, mentors or others in their lives, today's younger generations have pasts littered with loved ones who abandoned them, physically and/or emotionally. Dads professed their "love" for them one moment and walked out on them the next. Moms claimed to think the world of them only to abandon them in the quest of another boyfriend or drug fix.
Even now for those who are adults, their boyfriends, girlfriends and spouses are quick to hit the exit button rather than face the mountain together. They've felt used and abused by too many people who claimed to love them, they have no basis as to what genuine love truly is, nor do they desire it. To them, absolute love doesn't exist and no one can ever be completely trusted. Everyone will eventually betray or abandon them.
And this line of thinking doesn't just apply to nonbelieving young adults, it's felt in the church as well. Some have been emotionally and even physically abused by someone who professed to be a Christian. Family members who served as church leaders, some even as pastors, so sullied the name of Christ, they struggle to trust anyone who calls themselves a Christian.
We can easily point the finger and remind these young adults that we all fall short of the glory of God, and there's a time when such counsel is needed, but we have to admit far too many young people are being and were brought up in broken homes. Their trust has been betrayed and as a result, they are constantly on guard, waiting for the next person to leave.
These are the ones who desperately need to hear God's promises that He will never leave them. Like the woman who bled for 12 years, they need to be reminded that they are seen and valued. Who is to tell them? Who is to remind them? God's people; we are the ones God has chosen to communicate His love to them.
Jesus promised to always be with us, let us honor Him by obeying Him.
With Easter just past us, we can easily fixate on the blessings we received because of Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross. And we should, but that is not all. Yes, we must remember the Cross daily, not just on Easter, but we must also abide by the mission Jesus gave to His disciples—and us—following His resurrection.
"Go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in Our name. Teach them all I've commanded you, and remember, I'm right here with you." Jesus promised to always be with us, let us honor Him by obeying Him. With Him as our guide, let us show today's young people that He—and we—will be with them always, never to leave them. They can count on us, not because we alone are faithful, but the One who redeemed us is.
References:
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). Crossway Bibles.