Ascension

Ascension

May 24, 2001

Matthew 28:20

"The Final Five"

The Final 5 Words of Christ. They are some of the most remarkable words ever recorded in sacred Scripture. They speak to us concerning the Savior's promises to us. They speak to us concerning our destiny. Consider them the last five words, which the Savior spoke to humans before He left this earth…"I am with you always!"

1.      I am with you

Jesus is always with you; He's by your side, He abides to guide and lead you. Many a friend may leave and desert us. Many may abandon us when we need them the most. Not so with the Savior He's always there. He is near to you. He has made His dwelling place in your heart. Many a friend may say "I'm just a phone call away…Jesus says "I'm but a breath away!"

You are never alone!  "I'm abandoned by God and by men," a man once cried out on his deathbed having realized that he had rejected everything spiritual in his life. Not so with those who have a relationship with Christ. You are never alone. No matter where you go; you won't go it alone. The Savior is near to you, promising never to abandon you, promising to never let you out of His sight. 

What a comfort. What an encouragement!

2.      Always! He's with you always!

To be separated from God is hell. Jesus’ cry from the cross was His agony of being "abandoned by God and by man" He cried from the cross: "My God my God…" (Ps.22)  He offered up those cries so that you and I would never have to experience the rejection, which comes from being abandoned by God. Always and forever you are with the Lord.  Always and forever you are in the safe and caring hand of your Lord and your Redeemer. What a comfort to know that you are in His safe and caring hand.

Forever Jesus is by your side. That relationship which the Savior began with you started at your baptism where you were clothed with Christ. It has continued on these many years up to this very hour. Jesus has forever bound Himself to you.  What's more He has set a plan by which you will spend eternity with Him.  How long is eternity? It's without end. It goes on forever. For the rest of your days you will be forever with the Lord.

CONCLUSION:  Many a person will be remembered for the last words they spoke before they left this earth. Jesus' words, spoken on the day of His Ascension will live on until He returns. Look at the back of your hand. There you have five fingers. Remember His promise spoken to you every single time you look at the back of your hands. Count the blessings one by one; "I am with you always!" Amen!