Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Passage: Matthew 28
Focus: “And surely I am with you always…” Matthew 28:20.
If you and I don’t get real inspired and encouraged by these final words of Jesus, we would be wise to do some serious internal troubleshooting to see what’s wrong. We are beholding some of the most dynamic verses in the entire Bible that should profoundly guide our lives and energies and give us a tremendous sense of SECURITY in doing so.
This matter of SECURITY is something interesting to consider. In the pervious reading we encountered the pitiful efforts of the world to establish SECURITY. “Pilate answered, ‘Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.’ So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard” (Matt. 27:65-66). How secure was that security? Not very.
The “SECURITY of the believer” is an issue that has been discussed and debated down through church history. It’s still not resolved to the satisfaction of everyone. I certainly don’t presume to resolve it here. However there are some key points that flow out of Jesus’ words that speak to the matter. Let me cite three:
(1) Our SECURITY is based on Jesus’ absolute power over anything and everything. There is no reason to fear Satan or superstition or circumstances or anything else IF we are committed to this omnipotent Christ.
(2) Our SECURITY is contingent on our obedience to doing what Christ says. In this case it involves being an active proponent of the gospel and teaching others by all means to obey Him.
(3) Our SECURITY is assured by the very presence of the living Christ. What could be a greater encouragement?! When we are obedient and active in doing His will, He actually accompanies us. Let’s get on with it!