Just as the earth had quaked upon Jesus' death, so also did it quake upon His resurrection.
Read Matthew 28.
"Then Jesus came near and said to them, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.'" (28:18)
Jesus had come to earth with the mission of restoring the broken relationship of mankind with God the Father. The Cost: The torture and sacrifice of a sinless, innocent man and a temporary, but ever painful separation from God.
The Reward:
"and I saw One like a son of man
coming with the clouds of heaven.
He approached the Ancient of Days
and was escorted before Him.
He was given authority to rule,
and glory, and a kingdom;
so that those of every people,
nation, and language
should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away,
and His kingdom is one
that will not be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13-14)
His authority, as evidenced by his defeat of Death itself, is the basis by which we have the authority to "make disciples of all nations". Because of the magnitude of the deed Christ completed on the cross, the Father gave to Jesus every square inch of the universe. As the Church, when we make disciples, we are essentially claiming for Jesus what is already His.
It is a great privilege that we get, as mere sinners, to be included in the establishment of Christ's reign on earth. Take a moment today to consider Christ's authority over the universe. How would a firm confidence in his authority change your everyday actions and thoughts? How often do you remember that Christ is your King? How are you currently contributing contributing to the Kingdom?
"And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (28:30)
As we obey Christ and teach others to as well. We can be confident in Jesus' authority and his desire for relationship. I AM is with us.
Starter Prayer:
Jesus,
I confess that I often forget to consider your place in the universe
I often make myself the king.
Maybe I don't explicitly call myself, "King", but my actions and thoughts say otherwise!
Please forgive me.
Please let your authority give me confidence to obey and to GO.
Please use me to advance your Kingdom on earth until you return.
Thank you for being a loving, merciful King.
I would not want to serve anyone but you!
I am yours.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Join fellow Christ-followers in prayer and fasting during Lent (February 13 through March 31, 2013). Use the "prayer starters" each day and feel free to click "comments" to see how others are doing and share your own journey.
Subscribe via:
Posts
What is "Lent?"
"Lent" has been celebrated by Christians for many generations. It is a time set aside for preparing our hearts to celebrate the greatest event in history - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Traditionally Lent is the forty-day period preceding Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. Interestingly, this is actually 46 days because the western church doesn't count Sundays (as we are to celebrate the resurrection every Sunday).
How should I keep Lent?
We are asking the church family to spend time in prayer each day of Lent, thanking Christ for what He has done. In addition, many Christians practice some form of fasting during Lent.
What is "fasting?"
Fasting is a way to say "no" to self and to give renewed attention on Christ. If we simply do without food, we're only half-way there. We need to replace the time that we would have spent eating and instead spend that time in prayer.
Here are some ideas, but don't be limited to these:
Take 15 minutes out of each day reading the devotional on this blog and getting on your knees to pray to God.
Agree together in your Connection Group how you are going to celebrate Lent. Encourage each other to take a step of faith and talk each week about how it is going.
Take one meal a week and decide to deny yourself, spending the time, instead, reading the Word and praying. Maybe your Connection Group could divide up the lunches through the week - each taking a day. Or maybe you could each pick one day per week that you will all do it.
Fast from a specific food for the whole Lent season. Make it something that will trigger you to pray each time you reach for it. Don't "fast" from food to lose weight or from caffeine for your health. Those may be good ideas, but that is something you're doing for you, not with Christ in mind.
Fast from sunrise until sunset.
Fast from TV or something else that you'll give up and replace with seeking God.
Now get creative and talk with the other Christ-followers in your life for help, encouragement, and accountability ... and to share your joy!
Should I consider an extended fast?
For some, the season of Lent can be a time to surrender even more to God through an extended fast. This can be a 3, 7, 14, or 40 day experience (it is up to you and your readiness). If this is something that God is calling you toward, check out this site to learn more:
http://www.ccci.org/growth/growing-closer-to-god/how-to-fast/index.aspx
There are all types of extended fasts that you can get involved in. Make sure you choose the right one for you, considering your health, schedule, and support system.
all authority in Heaven and on earth is Jesus'
ReplyDeletein this confidence we can go forth in grace and by faith to make disciples.