I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20
In 1922, American poet T. S. Eliot wrote the poem “What the Thunder Said” about the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Who is the third who walks always beside you?
When I count, there are only you and I together
But when I look ahead up the white road
There is always another one walking beside you.
Eliot notes, “These lines were stimulated by the account of one of the Antarctic expeditions . . . it was related that the party of explorers, at the extremity of their strength, had the constant delusion that there was one more member than could actually be counted.”
There is indeed another walking beside us. Jesus said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). What a magnificent promise. His presence accompanies us just as He accompanied the disciples during the days He walked this earth. He is with us in every circumstance of life, a fact that gives us courage when we have no other encouragement but His love.
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age,” Jesus told His disciples. His promise looks beyond optimism to the end of time itself. New life awaits us at the end of our journey here. There is always “Another” walking beside us.
How might it help to take a moment to envision Jesus alongside you right now? How does that affect the way you approach the challenges you face?
I’m thankful that You’re always by my side, Jesus.
Matthew 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
