READ: MATTHEW 28: 16-20
“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (V. 20)
Police Community Action Teams were designed to give our department an “active presence” in high crime areas. These teams worked directly with the residents to identify and resolve the crime problems that had a negative impact on their quality of life. This cooperative effort of trust and faith produced some amazing results. Quite simply, the presence and dedication of the officers made the difference between neighborhood peace and chaos!
While police presence is essential in any crime reduction program, personal presence is vitally important to those in our lives who maybe undergoing stressful or difficult times. My friend of 73 years David is undergoing a very challenging period in his life. His dear wife, Sharon, whom my wife has known since the ninth grade, has developed dementia. This cruel disease is slowly robbing her of all cognitive function and has drastically limited their lives. She cannot be left alone and at times forgets that she and Dave are husband and wife. Thankfully, she still remembers my wife and me. We are blessed to visit with them and sit with her while Dave attends to the shopping and other chores required to maintain their household. Sharon clings to my wife as her presence kindles positive memories of the days we have shared over many years. It also gives me the opportunity to offer David some real time “moral support” to continue each challenging day. His journey is teaching me that active presence is essential to the lives of every one of God’s creations.
Jesus knew the importance his active presence would play in the lives of not only of his disciples and future church leaders, but in the lives of all believers who acknowledged him as Lord and Savior (Romans 10: 9-10). That is why he ask The Father to leave us the Holy Spirit, and advocate and comforter who would lead us in truth until the time of his return (John 14: 15-16). The Holy Spirit who came upon us like “tongues of fire,”(Acts 2: 1-5), to assure us that Jesus was truly with us “until the end of the age!” The active presence of our Risen Savior has been with us since Jesus ascended. It will remain with us until he returns in triumph and glory! The grace filled presence of the Spirit keeps all believers strong of faith; fervent in action; and uncompromising in hope and conviction.
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
The active presence of the Holy Spirit brings us peace when our lives become chaotic.
Dear Jesus, thank you for being actively with me all the days of my life.