Every PlaceSample

Expect God’s Kingdom

Matt 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 surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’

Reflection

‘All authority’. That’s a lot of authority. The word used means authority or power to act. As a trivial example, we all have authority and use it every day. Every time you leave your house you have authority to use your keys to lock the doors because it’s where you live, you have jurisdiction. If an intruder ended up in your home because they found the door unlocked, you would have the authority to ask them to leave your home because it’s under your jurisdiction.

We’re familiar with what authority looks like, and Jesus describes an authority on a completely different scale. He says ‘All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me’. He is describing divine authority which has been given to him by his Father and we see this authority being used throughout his public ministry; as God’s son, he has jurisdiction over all things.

For example, Jesus showed that he had authority over sickness (Matt 8.1-14); authority over the earthly elements (Matt 8.23-27); authority over demons and darkness (Matt 8.28-34); authority over physical death (Matt 9.18-26); and in his own death and resurrection we know that he has authority over sin which can eternally separate us from God. ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory’ says Paul (1 Cor 15.54-55) and on the cross death is defeated.

At this end point in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus now stands before the disciples and commissions them and us to continue the work and ministry of Jesus as the body of Christ on earth. To seek the Kingdom. To bind up the broken hearts. To proclaim liberation for the captives. To bring good news for the poor (Isaiah 61.1).

Wherever you are placed today, you have the authority of God’s Kingdom. You have ‘keys to the house’ as it were, which means, with Christ in your heart, and the power of the Holy Spirit in your life, whether it’s in leadership, in culture, business, or entrepreneurship, online or onsite, the light of God’s Kingdom comes as you go.

Action Point

Step back for a moment and think about where God has placed you. In the workplace, in your neighbourhood, in clubs or groups, in your friendship circles, and family. God has placed you there and has given you authority to be about the work of God’s Kingdom. What does that look like for you today?

Prayer Point

Father, thank you for your authority and power. Thank you that you are above all things and know all things. Thank you that Jesus has defeated sin and conquered the grave. Thank you that as I go about the day, I know Jesus is with me and that I can expect to see signs of your Kingdom breaking out around me. Give me courage today to live for you and shine for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.