(J. C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Matthew” 1856)
“And surely I am with you always, to the
very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
It is impossible to conceive words more . . .
comforting,
strengthening,
cheering, and
sanctifying than these.
Though left alone, like orphan children in a cold,
unkind world, the disciples were not to think they
were deserted. Their Master would be ever “with
them.” Though commissioned to do a work as hard
as that of Moses when sent to Pharaoh, they were
not to be discouraged. Their Master would certainly
be “with them.”
No words could be imagined more consolatory
to believers in every age of the world. Let all
true Christians lay hold on these words and
keep them in mind.
Christ is “with us” always.
Christ is “with us,” wherever we go.
He came to be “Emmanuel, God with us,” when He
first came into the world. And He declares that He
is ever “Emmanuel, God with us,” when He comes
to the end of His earthly ministry and is about to
leave the world. He is . . .
with us daily to pardon and forgive;
sanctify and strengthen;
defend and keep;
lead and to guide;
with us in sorrow, and with us in joy;
in sickness, and in health;
with us in life, and in death;
in time, and in eternity.
What stronger consolation could believers desire
than this? Whatever happens, they at least are
never completely friendless and alone. Christ is
ever with them. They may look into the grave,
and say with David, “though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil,
for You are with me.” They may look forward
beyond the grave, and say with Paul, “we shall
ever be with the Lord.”
We could ask nothing more. None have . . .
such a King,
Priest,
a constant Companion, and
an unfailing Friend,
as the true servants of Christ.
He has said it, and He will stand to it, “and surely
I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
“I will never leave you and never forsake you.”
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