Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
-Matthew 28: 19-20

I can remember, back in the days of teen angst, Atari and leg warmers, seeing a guy walking down Steven's Creek Blvd having a conversation with someone else. He was unkempt and in a hurry. His last shower, by my estimation, had occurred some weeks prior. Despite his haste, he conversed with fluid movements and purpose. He was very interested in his dialogue.

The other person had, what I might consider to be, a problem of substance; that is to say, he was not actually there. No, there was no visible person with whom the transient was conversing. I distinctly recall making a joke that, somewhere, on the other side of the planet, was another busy street person who was listening and responding in kind. There are a couple of people reading this, right now, who remember me making that insensitive remark. I am continually amazed at how I survived the eighties at all.

Suffice it to say, he was convinced, beyond all doubt, that he was talking with someone. Of that, I am convinced. I wonder who it might have been.

Christians are admonished to honor the great commission. This is a central tenet of our faith. We read it, we hear it, we hear it again and we frequently refer to it with confidence and conviction.

We really like the part about going into all nations and baptizing and teaching. We rally behind the call and shout out "Amen, brother!"

It is the last part that is a hard sell. Surely he is with us always, even to the end of the age? Oh, sure, we can recite the scripture and feel okay about it in church, but what about when we get out there in the world? Do we always feel like he is with us?

For most of us, the honest answer is no.

Our fears, varying moods and unmet expectations blind us to his presence at times. It takes effort to acknowledge his presence in our day and in our lives, especially when circumstances are less than desirable.

So, how about this...what if we had no home, have not taken a shower in weeks, probably have not eaten in a while and we have to walk everywhere. Would we feel like acknowledging the Savior's presence? Would we have an open and public conversation with him, as if he were really there? Would we be a fool for the conversation? Do we believe enough to risk ridicule by a bratty teenager?

The point is this: He is with us always. We either choose to recognize it or we do not. He does not disappear because we are having a bad day. It is we who ignore him.

I know, I know, wildly gesticulating and carrying on in a crowded place might cause people to give you a wide berth. But, recognizing his presence, even quietly, can make the difference in our circumstances and in our lives.

Yes, the great commission is exciting, but even if we are, sometimes, alone in the flesh...we are never alone in the spirit. He wants to make sure we know that.