And Be Sure of THIS

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20 NLT

After Yeshua’s death, He rose on the third day. He met with the disciples a number of times and encouraged them prior to His departure to heaven. One of the things Yeshua told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit – Matthew 28:18-19 NLT. We call this the Great Commission!

The disciples were commissioned to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel – the good news of salvation – and baptize those who believe. The gospel is not for a selected few. No! it’s for all mankind. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting Life” (John 3:16 KJV). We are to make new disciples. When we proclaim the gospel, hearts will be stirred and there will be those who accept Yeshua as their Saviour and Lord.

Yeshua did not stop there, He added a second part, and that is to ‘Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you’. We are commissioned to not only proclaim the gospel, but to also teach the new disciples to obey all the commands that Yeshua gave. This is not just limited to the ten commandments, but every other command that Yeshua gave. These commands include teachings on love, forgiveness, and the importance of living a life that reflects God's Love. Here are some of the commands that Yeshua taught: Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17) - A call to repentance and the promise of the Kingdom of Heaven. Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19) - A call to discipleship and the promise of spiritual growth. Rejoice when you are persecuted (Matthew 5:12). A reminder of the rewards in Heaven for those who suffer for their faith. Let your light shine before others (Matthew 5:16) - A call to live a life that reflects God's Love and Grace. Be reconciled to one another (Matthew 5:23-24) - A command to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with others.

Yeshua also knew that even though the gospel is wonderful news, not everyone would be open to receive this good news. There will be those who reject the good news and even become hostile towards those who shares the good news. Yeshua knew this and He told them, “And ye shall be hated of all men for My Name's sake: but he that endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22 KJV). The last words that Yeshua said as recorded in the book of Matthew is, ‘And be sure of THIS: I am with you always, even to the end of the age’. What a promise! What encouragement! What hope! What joy! I love the NLT version, ‘And be sure of THIS’. This says to me, have no doubt, have no fear, be confident and know, that I, Yeshua is with you always, not sometimes, but always…even to the end of the age. We can be certain and stand firm knowing that Yeshua will not leave us nor forsake us, even when times get difficult. HalleluYah!!!!

So, if you are feeling tired, feel like giving up, feel like throwing in the towel, I say to you, ‘HOLD ON’, Yeshua is with you and will be with you always! You can be sure of THIS!