Comprehensive Coverage - Anthea McGibbon

Bishop Everald Galbraith of the Jamaica Methodist District

Approximately two years ago a financial institution loaned the Church money to purchase a vehicle. Until the Church repays the loan, inclusive of interest, the vehicle technically belongs to the bank. Knowing that there are various users of the road and other spaces and that there is no certainty what may or may not happen that can damage a motor vehicle the vehicle was insured comprehensively. Have you every parked your vehicle and when you return there is a damage? Recently someone parked his car in the parking lot of a company where he was attending a meeting. Well, someone went to cut branches from trees and a branch damaged his vehicle. You never know what can happen.

Matthew concluded his account of the Gospel with Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples and the assurance of Comprehensive Coverage for them as they carried out his instructions. Jesus’ marching orders to his disciples and the assurance of Comprehensive Coverage came on the heels of his resurrection which was a vindication of his person, words and work. Victory over the world, flesh and the devil enabled Jesus to confidently commission his followers to embark upon a mission to increase the followership.

There was lack of unanimity within the church. Some followers of Jesus were convinced, convicted and comfortable with the account of the resurrection of Jesus and all that meant. However, some doubted (Matt. 28:17). What an intriguing response to the resurrection for persons, except Thomas, who had seen the risen Jesus twice before! The commissioning of the doubters warranted the assurance of Comprehensive Coverage.

Furthermore, the disciples were going into friendly and hostile territories. There was no guarantee about what they would encounter. Persecution, rejection, ridicule, days of plenty and days of famine, warm embrace and violent rejection were all possibilities. Jesus assured them that whatever came their way they had coverage.

Jesus was not indicating the possibility or likelihood of him being with them. The affirmation is:” I am with you always”. Note it is not, I will be with you, but I am—ego eimi – with you. Just as God sent Moses, so Jesus sent his apostles, by this name, I am; for God is God, to whom past, present, and future are the same. Jesus’ physical presence is about to go but his spiritual presence will be with them in the execution of this commission. This was to strengthen their faith.

There is an enduring need to know that as we go in the name of Jesus we are not alone because The LORD, the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent is providing comprehensive coverage. Even if we make our beds in hell Jesus will be there! God never slumbers or sleeps. God is always awake, aware and alert. We can all join with Crystal Lewis when she wrote:

Lord, I believe in You
I’ll always believe in You
Though I can’t see You with my eyes
Deep in my heart, Your presence I find

Thought: There is no expiry date on God’s Comprehensive Coverage Plan.
Prayer Focus: The willingness to go on mission for Jesus.

Author Profile

Administrator: ... refers to representatives of entities such as embassies, entertainment industry, creative force whose submitted work gets published on this site. Views expressed here may not necessarily represent those of the owner of this site, but are being published in the interest of the wider public. Link me here