Eyes on Jesus: He promises to be with us

As often happens in the solemn Lenten season, we are given brief respites of joy. Each Sunday is still a “little Easter” even absent the Alleluias. And on this day, March 25, we observe the Feast of the Annunciation, the day that the angel spoke to Mary announcing she would bear the Messiah. This child is also promised to Joseph and told that his name would be called Immanuel, which means “God with us (Matthew 1:23).”

The disciples had the privilege of being with Jesus during his three-year ministry, and upon his death and burial, they were lost and afraid. But in seeing him again on Easter, they were overjoyed. That joy changed again as Jesus ascended, but would return with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In that gift, the name of Jesus and his promise to the disciples has come to pass: “I am with you always to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).” No more are they afraid, but emboldened to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

For us He rose from death again;

For us He went on high to reign;

For us He sent His Spirit here

To guide, to strengthen. and to cheer.

This promise is for you, too. While we keep our eyes on Jesus always, we do not see him as the disciples once did. And yet, we are filled with the same joy because the promise of Jesus stands. As you encounter life’s challenges, the sometimes devastating effects of sin, and the reality of death itself, you are not alone. Jesus has promised to be with you. We know this because he said it. We know this because we can look at him on the cross and see his love. We know this because he lives. We know this because, by our Baptism into Christ, we too shall be raised from death to life. And until we reach that Resurrection Day, we keep our eyes on Jesus as he leads us to the joys of eternity. 

Blessed Lord, be with us, as you have promised, and guard our lives from every peril. Give us faith to look to you and to live in the confidence of the salvation you have won for us; in your most holy name we pray. Amen.

Pastor Brian Noack

LWML Atlantic District Pastoral Counselor

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sayville