“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28:20
The Lord Jesus is always intimately involved in His church. He walks among you, and His promise is “I am with you always.” He is as close to us now as He was to the disciples at the lake when they sat and ate fish with Him around a fire. Not physically, but still in real truth and presence, Jesus is with us.
And this is a blessed truth, since where Jesus is, love becomes inflamed. Of all the things in the world that can set the heart burning, there is nothing like the presence of Jesus! A glimpse of Him so overcomes us, that we are ready to say, “Turn your eyes from me; they overwhelm me.” (Song of Solomon 6:5) Even the touch of His garments causes the sick and the faint to grow strong. If we, for even a moment, lean our heads against Him and receive His divine love into our poor cold hearts, we are cold no longer, but glow hot in love. We will gain strength equal to every labor and capable of withstanding every suffering.
If we know that Jesus is with us, all our abilities will be developed, every grace strengthened. We must cast ourselves into the Lord’s service with heart, and soul, and strength. Therefore, the presence of Christ is to be desired above anything else. Those who are most like Him will most clearly appreciate his presence. If you desire to see Christ, you must seek to conform ever more closely to Him. Bring yourself, by the power of the Spirit, into union with Christ’s desires, and motives, and plans of action, and you are likely to be favored with His company.
Remember, Jesus is with you. His promise is as true as ever. He delights to be with us. If He does not come, if He does not seem close, it is because we hinder Him by our indifference. He will reveal Himself to our earnest prayers, and graciously lend an ear to our praises, requests, and tears, for these are the golden chains which bind Jesus to His people.
Lord Jesus, Today I draw near to You and ask You to fill me with Your peace and Your presence by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
How does knowing that Jesus is as close to you as He was with the disciples make a difference in how you live your life daily?
By Charles Spurgeon
Used by Permission
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008
Further Reading
• Forgiveness is Good for Your Health | by Katherine Kehler
• The Power of Forgiveness | by Dr. Henry Brandt
• Salvation Explained