During the summer break, a seminarian returns to his family home. As they gather around the dinner table, he turns to his grandmother and says, "Grandma, do you recall how, when we were younger, you often quoted the Bible, saying, 'God Himself has stated, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." In my Ancient Greek class at the seminary, I learned that the original text (Hebrews 13:5) contains five negatives in that single sentence. It is like saying: “I will never, no, not ever, no, never leave you nor forsake you.” The grandma said, “Well, God may have to say it five times for you boys, but once is enough for me.”
My friends, God didn't just speak these words to us; He demonstrated them through His actions. He didn't stay distant in the heavens above; instead, He stepped down from His throne and clothed Himself in human flesh. He became one of us. He walked among us, felt what we feel, and experienced the highs and lows of human existence.
But His love didn't stop there. It went even further. It led Him to Calvary's hill, where He willingly laid down His life for us. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, endured unimaginable suffering and agony so that we could be reconciled to the Father. He took the weight of our sins upon Himself, bearing them upon His shoulders so that we could be set free.
My friends, this is the essence of the Gospel message: that God's love knows no bounds, that His faithfulness endures forever. No matter what you may be facing today, no matter how daunting the challenges ahead may seem, take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way. He will never leave you; He will never forsake you.
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