The Scottish missionary and explorer, David Livingstone, was home from Africa on furlough and addressing students at the University of Glasgow. They were gathered there to confer an honors award to the great man. As he stood to speak, a hush fell upon them; before them stood a man who suffered much in his exploration of Africa, his efforts to end the slave trade, and his desire to bring the gospel to the continent. He suffered from malaria and other various fevers, his arm which had been crushed during an encounter with a lion, hung limp at his side. The wear and tear of such an arduous life was visibly sketched upon his face. He told the students that he would shortly return to Africa without any misgivings.

The reason he could do so was because of the Lord’s promise: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Mt. 28:20). This verse had been underlined in his journal, and he commented upon them to the students: “It is the word of a Gentleman of the most strict and sacred honor!”

The promise of Christ in Matthew 28:20 was given to His disciples shortly before He departed this world to His rightful place in glory at the right hand of God. Though it is a general truth that God is always with His own, there is a specificity connected with this promise in Matthew. The Lord told His disciples that “all power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” He is Lord of all (Acts 10:36). This authority will be exercised for those serving Him. We need not fear when we go forth in His name, no matter how big or how small the task, whether on the home front or the mission field. His presence will be with us. We have the “word of a Gentleman of the most strict and sacred honor.”