Jesus is Essential
Matthew 28:19–20: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
There are no conditions for us to meet, or even to believe; for Jesus Christ is with us. Paul discovered this to be true when he was seeking to establish a church in the difficult city of Corinth. Obeying this commission, Paul came to the city, won people to Christ and baptized them and taught them the word. When the going was tough, Paul had a special visit from the Lord: “Be not afraid … for I am with thee.” The phrase “the end of the age” indicates that our Lord has a plan; He is the Lord of history. As the churches follow His leading and obey His Word, they fulfill His purposes in the world. It will all come to a climax one day; meanwhile, we must all be faithful. 1
Walking with Jesus
The best cure for a wandering Christian is to stay in His Word, to obey His Word, to be actively serving in the fellowship, and to be committed to making disciples. But all of that assumes that the believer is abiding with Jesus and walking in the Spirit. Spiritual works is never a substitute for a surrendered life that is loving God without conditions.
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20
We leave Him; He never leaves us.
Praying
We just completed 513 days of studying the life and ministry of Jesus from all four gospels. Tomorrow we start a new devotional Bible study: Changed by His Love from 1 John. Please pray for His blessing and anointing over this next study. Thanks for being a part of this daily Discipleship Living Journey over the last 10 years.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
