All Authority

All Authority

And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” – Matthew 28:18-20

God is almighty and Jesus has been given all authority in Heaven and on earth.

What does that mean for us?

He can command us.
If you are in the military, if a superior officer gives you an order, you obey it. Why? By their rank, they have been given authority over you.

Similarly, when Jesus gives us an order, we do it because He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. So, when He says to go make disciples, we need to do it.

He can protect us.
There’s a character in the movie, Braveheart, named Stephen the Irishman, who fights alongside William Wallace. He seems crazy through the movie, so you never know whether to believe him or not. He made one claim in particular that was key to the story. When asked about Ireland, he said,

“It’s my island.”

Later in the movie, the Irish show up on a battlefield standing with England’s troops. Wallace and the others say,

“What are the Irish doing fighting with the English?”

Stephen responds, “I wouldn’t worry about them. Like I said, ‘It’s my island.'”

William looks at him, “Your island?”

“Yep, my island!”

Then the English commander sends in Irishmen to attack. They start running, weapons raised. Wallace and the Scottish fighters start running at the Irish, weapons raised. Faster and faster they run towards each other until they are both about to collide.

Then they both stop, put down their weapons, and greet each other with handshakes and hugs. Then the Irish fight alongside the Scottish. Why? Because Stephen had the authority to tell the Irish what to do.

Jesus has all authority and can command armies of angels to protect us. He can stop our enemies dead in their tracks.

Jesus is with us.
So, we obey, because our king has commanded us. Also, we do not fear, because our God will protect us. He will never leave nor forsake us.

Almighty God,

You are King of kings and Lord of lords. You hold all authority. Thank You for strengthening me and protecting me. Help me to obey You at every step.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt