Promises......

"And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised.  But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven."  Luke 24:49 NLT

"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 28:20   NLT

What have you made promises for?  I'm thinking of Girl Scout, Boy Scout and there are probably other organizations we have belonged to.  We make promises in worship also.....   Think of what we say when there is a baptism, how we all agree to be there for the new person - baby or adult.  Promises we all make.  I'm wondering how we do at actually keeping the promises we make.

These two Gospel readings are as Jesus is ascending into heaven.  In the Luke reading Jesus is sending the Holy Spirit "just as my Father promised."   In the Matthew reading Jesus is promising to "be with you always."  We spoke, through Lent, about what we believe - Emmanuel, God WITH US.  These verses are reminding us of both Emmanuel AND God keeps God's promises.  The question is - do we believe it.  If we believe it do we live it, follow where God is leading and share God's love?

We are caregivers, promising to care for "our" person.  We do keep this promise - right?  We do take care of, to the best of our ability, the person (or people) in our care.  Do we rely on God for our strength?  Do we remember Emmanuel - God IS with us -- "even to the end of the age"?  Do we help others to see this?  Something to think about........