Jesus and People: Availability
Scripture Reading — Matthew 28:16-20
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Jesus often stopped to talk with and care for people who had needs or questions—people who were poor, ill, or doubtful. This took a lot of time and energy. Jesus understood self-care and made time for prayer and quiet away from everyone, but he also made himself radically available to whomever he met.
Even as he prepared to ascend to heaven, Jesus promised to be with his followers. When Jesus gave his parting instructions, he did not abandon his disciples to the task, but rather said, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Jesus has given us his Spirit to walk with us through whatever challenges we face. The Spirit is always here, God with us.
As mentors, we can’t match the 24/7 availability of the Holy Spirit, but we can choose to give people high priority. Jesus made time for people and reminds us that whatever we do for others, we do for him (Matthew 25:40). In the Spirit of Christ, mentors make themselves available to help others along the way.
May we be as ready to serve, guide, redirect, encourage, confront, teach, share, testify, question, understand, listen, advise, and mentor others as Jesus, by his Spirit, has mentored us. In the Lord’s strength, are you available for others, and thus for him to work through you, today?
Lord, give us the courage and strength to make ourselves available to others. May we invest in people’s lives so that the name of Jesus is known throughout the earth. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
About the author — Steven and Deb Koster
Steven and Deb Koster have a passion for marriages, families, and spiritual growth in the home. Both are ordained ministers in the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Steven formerly served as editor of Today and director of ReFrame's English-language outreach. Deb leads Family Fire, ReFrame’s family ministry at FamilyFire.com and on Facebook. The Kosters have three children.
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