Encouragement - Pt 1

 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20 ESV).

 

Today we will begin a journey through the Scripture with selected readings that I hope will simply encourage you in this time of uncertainty and stress. None of these writing are intended as a political statement. Frankly, I find little encouragement or hope in government of any kind or any time. That’s not a result of cynicism. It is my clear understanding of our reading today. My hope is not found apart from the only One with the power and purpose to redeem. That is Jesus. He declares so clearly, And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (v. 20). Of course, I am not suggesting we are exempt from the responsibility to “go” taking this message of grace and hope to others; nor, am I suggesting that we are not His chosen means of spreading this message of hope and encouragement. We are. With that in mind, let’s begin.

 

Under I35 through San Antonio, Texas, you will find the pictured “wall art.” I’m not sure who the artist was, nor am I sure of the whole of their message. I think at least a part of it is a statement of the new normal of our world. At least in my home state of Texas, personal distancing and the wearing of facial coverings has become more the rule than not. That may be an abhorrent concept to you as you consider it an infringement on you freedom. Please, I am not trying to bait you into a discussion of your position. I’m simply drawing from an illustration this truth that I hope will bring you encouragement.

 

When I go out, I am struck with the numbers of people who seem to be shaken by the circumstances of our present time. Maybe it’s the way they walk, their posture as they stand in lines further apart than before, or just the look of fear in their eyes. We are different than we were just nine months ago. It is not age specific. I’ve seen and heard from people of all ages who tell me their story of crisis and pain. Some have found themselves in a crisis related to their health, finances, or relationships. These crises were not self-imposed. They erupted into their lives through no fault of their own. They feel powerless and anxious. Here’s the good news… Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, and forever! He will, has not left us alone to fend for ourselves. We will make it home… our forever home! It’s OK to doubt. Even the disciples doubted (v. 16). Just don’t get stuck there. Look to Jesus… trust Him!