MATTHEW 28:18

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

TO PONDER

These are the words of Jesus to his disciples just before he gives them the mandate to go and make disciples of all nations.

I know that this task can seem so huge and unachievable at times. Even as a pastor, I sometimes wonder if all the preaching, teaching and pastoral work ever makes much of an impact when it comes to the task of making disciples in all the world.

But what a difference it makes to remember that we are sent by Jesus, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given, and whose authority has been vested in us for that specific purpose. If we go where he sends us and do what he shows us, then we have no need to fear because his power and authority is with us.

The only time we have any reason to be concerned is when we take that authority and try to use it for other purposes. It has been given to us to go make disciples of all nations, if we expect the power and authority of Jesus to be visible and at work in us for any other purpose, then we really are setting ourselves up for disappointment.

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus. Therefore, go and make disciples in his name and surely he will be with you, even to the very end of the age.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, when it comes to my salvation, I know you have done all that is required through your suffering, death, and resurrection. And yet the work of reconciling all the world to yourself is not yet complete. Help me to see the times and places where you are calling me to exercise your authority to call people to yourself and help me each day to walk more in step with you as your disciple. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle