The One Who Sends & Comes Along

When Jesus sent the apostles as told in Matthew 28:19-20, it was much different from the way we send people on any kind of errand or mission. We send because we cannot or do not wish to go. The sender separates himself from the one sent. The one sent goes alone. This is with mutual agreement, for if the sender said that he would accompany the sent one, the sent one would reply with an accusative question, “Why do you send me if you are coming along? Go do it yourself.”

That is not Jesus’ way. He sent, and then He said, “Lo, I am with you always to the close of the age.” Jesus “sent,” and then He “came along.” Isn’t that wonderful?

But that is not the first instance of “sending and coming along.” Jesus said, “And He who sent me is with me; He has not left me alone” (John 6:29). The father sent the Lord Jesus, and then He came along. “He who sent me is with me.” He sent us, and now He goes along with us. How great it is to realize that no matter where we are or what our mission, He is always right there with us, helping us to fulfill His plan.

Written in 1978.

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