Saturday 30 April 2022

16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

In Jesus parting words to his disciples, he declares he is God.  He is the one with authority “in heaven and earth.” “All things have been handed over to me by My Father” – Luke 10:22.

This includes authority over our enemy, Satan. Jesus has won the ultimate victory over Satan, and he keeps fighting that great deceiver on our behalf every day. I don’t want to be lulled into some stupor and not treat Satan seriously – how is he attacking me today? I claim victory on those situations in Jesus’ name as I press on by faith.

Jesus also has authority over sin in my life. He has won the victory and strengthens me to turn away from that behaviour, thought or attitude, when I confess and walk with Him. 1 Peter 1:16 calls us to live obedient lives to live “a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, ‘I am holy, you be holy.’”

He also has authority as a judge – John 5:26-27. I recently saw someone treat a judge as though he had no power over him – big mistake. We can ignore God but that has eternal consequences.

Jesus authority comes from the Father. He stands in the Trinity here as an equal, as God the Son. It is in this name he sends out the disciples, a name of power and blessing. A name of authority. Their task – to spread the message of salvation to all. Here is a new era! You and I are the beneficiaries!

I love the fact he chose all the disciples to continue his work – even though some were doubting. This is because he is a God of relationship, who doesn’t call for blind obedience, but for those who love him to come to him in their struggles and uncertainties, and with their questions. He loves us despite all of that. He is in control. He is with me.

Dearest Lord Jesus, search me and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. I know you have the victory in my struggles. I claim that today. Amen

Written by Claire Moore