Monday, May 5, 2008
Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
AND HE SHALL REIGN
Christ's ascension marked a time of transition and change for Jesus' disciples. For some time they had been "in school" with the Lord, sitting at His feet and listening to Him preach and teach. Now, however, things would be different. He would no longer be visibly among them, and the disciples themselves would go in separate directions, taking the word of God to various nations of the world.
In their ministries, they would encounter resistance and difficulty. But they could always remember what Jesus had said to them as He sent them out: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." It was under this promise that they went forth baptizing and teaching. So when they faced difficult times, they could be sure that Christ the Lord was in control. They would know that He Himself had all power to move even heaven and earth for the good of His missionaries.
All you Christians, as disciples commissioned by your Lord to share the good news of His resurrection from the dead, have the same promise. Should you ever become discouraged as witnesses for Jesus in this largely unbelieving age, remember who remains in charge of all creation. It is Christ the Almighty who has sent you out -- the Head over everything for His Church. Truly, in His hands are the deep places of the earth, and the strength of the hills is His also.
