Title: Faith of Immanuel / Matthew 28:19-20
Contents Immanuel's Faith / Matthew 28:19-20
Key Verse: “Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world” (verse 20).
Words: What were the last words of Jesus before he died? Matthew 28:19-20 says, “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 obey all that I have commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. We will be together.”
Mark 16:20 says, “As the disciples went out and preached throughout, the Lord was at work with them, and the signs that followed them bore witness to the word.” He lifted them up and blessed them, and when he blessed them, he left them and took them up into heaven... .”
If we look at the records of the synoptic gospels, the last of the many words Jesus said when He came and left this world was a blessing (Luke), that is, “I will always be with you, even to the end of the world” (Matthew). Even when the angel foretold the birth of Jesus, “there was a promise from Immanuel that God was with us” (Matthew 1:23). In this way, we should note that the blessing of Immanuel is promised equally at the birth and at the end of Jesus.
What is the greatest and most essential blessing that human beings can receive from God? The Bible tells us. ‘What God is doing with me’. There is no other blessing that is greater and more essential than that, and that we can hope for. The blessing of Immanuel that God is with me, this is the ultimate blessing that all mankind should hope for and our last refuge.
People expect that when God is with them, there will be no disease, no suffering of wealth, and the blessing of all things. Thousands of words. The blessing of Immanuel does not mean that. Immanuel's blessing means that in everything we face, sometimes it is a serious illness, sometimes a great failure, and even death, God will protect me from the love and power of God.
He wants me to make sure that everything I go through will happen with God. Even my last death makes it an event of infinite value to God. Because God said that the death of the saints is precious.
If Immanuel's blessing is the greatest blessing, isn't the faith of Immanuel, who believes that God is with us, the most blessed faith? Because if we have the faith of Immanuel, we can live a happy life where we can always rejoice, give thanks for everything, and pray without ceasing.
Prayer: God, we believe in God who is with us, so please help us to live in the unwavering faith of Immanuel. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Lord's Prayer