Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. - 2 Cor 13: 11
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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matt. 28: 19-20
The biblical narrative is full of goodbyes. From the exit from the Garden of Eden onward, people are saying goodbye and prophets are encouraging the people onward. But all the while, the narrative focuses on the way that, in the midst of goodbyes, God does not forsake them. God is always there.
And in the New Testament account, Jesus, post-resurrection, encourages the disciples to go everywhere and share the good news with everyone while remembering that he will always be with them.
What this tells me is that leave taking is not an end, but a beginning. God urging us to move to another journey, another path, another place. Taking the first step in a new journey is never easy. Standing on the crossroad of an unknown tomorrow is a challenge. But we are not alone. The Spirit guides us, the grace of Christ sustains us, and the never ending love of God enfolds us.
So the image is not disciples stark and alone on a weary road. Not at all. the image in the texts this week is disciples standing encouraged and excited and eager to follow God on the way. Very encouraging news.
God is here. Despite all the unknowns that make up our daily lives. The bad news cycles. The threats. The uncertainty. Paul says it best, "Put things in order and the God of love and peace will be with you."
And Jesus reminds us. "Lo, I am with you always. Even to the end of the age."
No matter what lies ahead. God has got this. And so do we.
Hymns this week:
“For the Beauty of the Earth” UMH 92
“Down to the River to Pray” W&S 3164
“Go, Make of All Disciples” UMH 571
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