Day 45

Exodus 37:1–38:31; Matthew 28:1-20; Psalm 34:11-22; Proverbs 9:9-10

SAINT VALENTINE’S DAY is celebrated around the world as a day to express love to the significant people in our lives. As we concluded the Gospel of Matthew today, we read of the greatest love gift humankind has ever received: new life.

Matthew concluded with the story of Jesus’ resurrection and final moments before returning to the Father. Two women who followed Jesus and shared the same name —Mary —journeyed to Jesus’ tomb and encountered a frightening but delightful surprise: an angel of the Highest God.

“‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen’” (Matthew 28:5-6).

When we find ourselves filled with anxiety and apprehension, we would do well to remember this scene —for it represents the turning of the tide. The world hasn’t been the same since, and our lives are given hope.

Of course, news of this nature traveled fast. Those who had conspired to kill Jesus issued a counterstory meant to slander Jesus and His followers, accusing the disciples of stealing the body and faking the resurrection. But this lie could not unsettle what the resurrection ignited in the world. Everything had changed. Jesus had trusted the Father all the way into death and returned victorious with life, and the momentous shift forever changed the world.

“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth,” Jesus said. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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” (Matthew 28:18-20).

These are the final words of the Gospel of Matthew. And these words must resonate to the center of our souls, for they tell us the fundamental thing that we must never forget. Let us receive these words as the ultimate promise of love on a day we commemorate love in the world:

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

MEDITATION:

Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.