Children Of “all Authority”

Children of “All Authority”

Read: Matthew 28:16-20

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Matthew 28:18

“Jesus Christ is God’s everything for man’s total needs.”

—Richard Halverson

IN WORD There is no greater authority, not in this world or any other. Our universe is governed by the Son of God, the Ancient of Days incarnate, the Alpha and the Omega. If being in the presence of rulers and celebrities gives us a thrill, how much more wonderful to know Immanuel—God with us. Whatever impresses us, frightens us, threatens us, embitters us, or thrills us—all that we can imagine and more—is under His reign. He is the ultimate power.

That’s great, we might think. But what does it have to do with us? The answer is glorious. This infinite power, ultimate authority, and King above all kings is the very same One who intercedes for us. He is on our side. And if the ultimate Authority intercedes for us, who will overturn His intercession? What request of His will be overruled? The greatest power in all the universe—over all the universe, in fact—is already inclined toward us, dedicated to working out our good, and available through our prayers. We might not notice such support if we are bent on our own agenda, but if we are bent on His, there is no obstacle that can obscure it.

IN DEED Sounds too good to be true? Yes, it does. And it often appears that way. While the ultimate Authority reigns benevolently over us, we have trials and tribulations. Our children may have life-threatening illnesses. Our finances may come to ruin. Our security might be in danger. Our relationships might suffer irreparable conflict. It doesn’t always look as if He’s exercising His power.

But He is. The world He has placed us in is enemy territory, and we will not pass through it uncontested. When we focus on it, we will be discouraged and depressed. When we absorb its values and goals, we will be disappointed. And that’s why Jesus comes to His disciples and says all authority is His. We need to know that—and to live as if we know it.