Daily Reading: Matthew 28
Scripture Focus: 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
Devotional Thought: In just a few sentences known as "The Great Commission" Jesus gives his final instructions. He first addresses any doubts that they may have had by telling them that “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” That pretty much covers everything right there, doesn’t it?
At times it may not feel or seem like Jesus is in control of everything on heaven and on earth. But we are living in the end times, the age between when Jesus came and when he will make his final return. We know that the Lord is patient and desires all to know him, and so in the waiting we see his great mercy towards those who do not yet know him. As we progress to the end, however, we can expect things in this world to go from bad to worse.
What are we to do in the meantime? Jesus gave his followers very clear instructions, thankfully! They are not easy, but they are clear. We are to go out, tell others about Jesus, and teach them his ways. To do this we must engage in and invest in relationships. We must enter into the brokenness and the pain and the mess of others’ lives. None of us would choose that over the comfort of staying in our own world, but it is our calling. However, Jesus does not leave us to do this in our own strength. The last thing he tells his disciples is, “behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age,” (v.20). He was true to his promise then, and he is faithful to that same promise even now, as the Spirit guides us in His will.
Jenny
Prayer: Lord we know that everything in heaven and earth is under your control and command. Please help us to lead others to you while there is still time to do so. Give us the strength to leave our comfort zone and enter into the pain of others, to your glory.
Psalm of the Day: 40 You have breached all his walls; you have laid his strongholds in ruins. 41 All who pass by plunder him; he has become the scorn of his neighbors. 42 You have exalted the right hand of his foes; you have made all his enemies rejoice. 43 You have also turned back the edge of his sword, and you have not made him stand in battle. 44 You have made his splendor to cease and cast his throne to the ground. 45 You have cut short the days of his youth; you have covered him with shame. Selah (Psalms 89:40-45)