What more could I want?

by Greg Fowler

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Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20b).

Read Matthew 28:11–20

A few years back, a Year 12 student spoke to me about tattoos. She told me that she wanted to get a tattoo on her arm, and she needed my help. I said she should discuss it with her parents, not me. To my surprise, she told me that her parents were thrilled with her idea, and they would also be grateful for my help. She asked me to translate the final words of Matthew 28 into Hebrew, and this is what she wanted on the inside of her forearm. The tattoo would look cool, and it would be a constant reminder to her that Jesus is with her always, to the end of the age. She also hoped people would ask her about the tattoo so that she could be a witness to God’s love. I couldn’t think of a better reason for a tattoo.

I often want things that don’t add much value to my life. Like many of us, I can get sucked into the latest ‘big thing’ or devote my time to things that aren’t helpful or useful for real rest. Buying a new car or bike, starting a new hobby, getting into that fantastic new show on Netflix, or allowing sport to take up too much of my time is easy for me to do. With the pressure of work and the complexities of relationships, I naturally drift toward distractions. We all do. And in and of themselves, distractions are not bad. It is my heart that usually needs a readjustment.

While I am chasing the latest distraction, Jesus stands ready to be more powerfully present with me than I could imagine. I think I need one of those tattoos, so I can be reminded every day that Jesus has given me his word that he will be with me always, until the end of the age.

Maybe if I see that, I will look to him for satisfaction and true rest. What more could I want than the maker of heaven and Earth to partner with me in his mission? What more could I want than his promise of deep rest that recharges my soul? I could not wish for anything more than his grace. May his last words to the disciples be encouragement to us all.

Dear Jesus, we hear your promise to be with us always. Help us to live our lives believing that promise. Give us your Spirit and grace, which renew us and hold us close to you. Amen.

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