Week 23
Matthew 28:18 “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”
In life one of the most important questions to ask is this: “Who has authority, and how is this authority applied to our lives?”
It is only when this question is rightly considered and answered will a person experience the rock-solid foundation for a life lived in a moral and right perspective. Thus, this question (and the answer to it) will design and maintain a framework for both the practical issues of daily life, and it will become the contour by which the great questions of any generation can be faced and solved.
Reading what Jesus said in this passage is rather stunning; He absolutely without equivocation establishes His authority over every single aspect of life and reality. He does this, of course, on the basis of His resurrection, victory, and exaltation. Jesus is exalted over all; Jesus is Lord overall. He is so because He is risen from the dead, He has conquered evil, and He has become the preeminent One in whom the Father has invested all authority and power in human history. This is not a matter of opinion; this is a fact of human history and is declared so by Christ Himself.
But what is the practical relevance of this reality? Christians look to Christ for guidance and teaching. He is our TEACHER in life concerning all aspects of belief and moral practice. We turn to Jesus as our glorious leader and guide. He will cast light upon the dark considerations of our complexity and disturbance. He shepherds us with His staff, the Scriptures; thus, we study the Scriptures that we might be guided by our Savior through them.
But Jesus’ authority is also significant because it gives to His people the assurance that we are in His care and protective provision. Christians do not fear the terrible hand of fate, nor do we fear the toothless lion of hell (the devil). We are under the shelter of the mighty Son of God, the Lord Jesus, who was crucified for His people, and who rose again from the dead for our justification. His power, authority, and salvation are superior to all forces material and spiritual; Christians are safe with Jesus. We are protected by Jesus, we are cared for by Jesus, and we are led to our heavenly home by Jesus. In Him we are made complete (Colossians 2:10), and through Him we have the victory now and forevermore.
In a time of troublesome difficulty and complicated conundrums, let us look to our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, for guidance, protection, and care. He will not abandon us or forsake us. He is our hope and our peace, because He has all authority over all things for us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your victory and power on our behalf. We look to You for Your protection and care during these fearful days. Help us not to fear or fail; please give us strength to be faithful to our calling until You call us home. Amen.