Thursday, April 23, 2009
Matthew 28:18 "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."
JESUS LIVES! THE RISEN CHRIST REIGNS
In the wilderness temptation at the beginning of His ministry the devil tried to get Jesus to use His heavenly power to satisfy earthly appetites. Satan even offered Jesus the kingdoms of this world if He would only acknowledge the devil's right to rule by paying him homage -- by bowing down before him. Jesus refused. When He was finally crowned with thorns and enthroned on a cross, it seemed that Jesus had chosen the wrong path, one that ended in futility, failure and powerlessness.
Jesus' resurrection revealed what really happened on Calvary's cross. There our Lord established His right to rule by casting down the old evil Foe. By paying our sin-debt Jesus left Satan with no charges to level against us, even as He shattered the devil's most fearful weapon: Death. For death holds no terror for us when it leads not to condemnation and death eternal but rather to the Father's house, our eternal home.
When Christ told His disciples, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth," He stood before them as their resurrected Friend -- blood throbbing in veins restored and flesh revivified. He wanted them (and us) always to remember that the Lord of Creation would now never cease to be a partaker in His creation. Who could better understand our needs and meet them? And what other king ever promised to let all His people share His rule and reign with Him?
Jesus lives! To Him the throne
High o'er heaven and earth is given.
I shall go where He is gone,
Live and reign with Him in heaven.
God is faithful. Doubtings, hence!
This shall be my confidence.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 201:2)
