Author: Chuck & Deb

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18)

THE DIVINE ALIGN

I’ve had leadership roles in my life where I had a lot of authority. But I was never under the delusion that my authority had no constraints. Not so with Jesus’ authority. It had no limitations, no restrictions, absolutely no boundaries. It is completely and unequivocally limitless. How could such authority be given?! Because the Father and the Son were completely aligned in thought, word and deed (Jn 5.19-20, 14.10). And when Jesus used all that authority for making disciples, it wasn’t just a good idea. His command is in perfect sync with what the Father wants. God has ordained that making disciples of Jesus is the primary plan and the only plan to redeem man. In fact, that was their plan from the beginning of time (Rom 8.29). Now with all that power poised behind a single command, it kind of makes you want to sit up and listen, doesn’t it?

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And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18)

DOWN TO EARTH

I was talking to an Army Colonel the other day and it was like a breath of fresh air. He wasn’t trying to impress me or be overbearing. He had nothing to prove and was…well…humble. Don’t you just love it when you meet a leader that’s real? You respect them even more for their ability to relate to you on your level, even though you know they’re in positions of great authority. They’re “down to earth”. Jesus not only came down to earth, He was down to earth. He is God with skin on. When he “came up and spoke” to the disciples, there was no motorcade, no fanfare, and no hoopla. Oh, He could have had a bazillion angels announce His arrival, but instead He simply walked up to them. This is incarnational leadership at its best. As we practice the Great Commission, we lead. And as we lead, we would do well to practice the same humility as Jesus (Phil 2.5-8).

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18)

WHO SAID SO?

When I was a kid, young messengers were always challenged with “Who said so?” We wanted to verify whether the message came from an adult with authority or just a whim of a younger brother. If it was an adult (especially Dad), then there was a 99% chance that the message was going to be obeyed (or at least considered). If it was a little brother, fat chance! One of the reasons the Great Commission is so great is because of “Who said so” — Jesus! The One who purchased our souls with His blood. The One who loved us to death. The One who had just conquered death! This same Jesus is the One who now has all authority in heaven and earth. The One who will judge the nations. The King of kings and Lord of lords. That’s Who said so! Are you listening yet?

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (Matthew 28:18)

18

Some numbers are more important to me than others. Like the number of seats in an airplane verses the number of functioning engines. Or how many loaves of bread I was supposed to pick up verses the number of my kids I should have when I leave the grocery store. The number 18 is pretty important to me. I’ve often heard the Great Commission (GC) preached or quoted without verse 18. Every fiber in my being wants to stand and shout, “What about verse 18!” Quoting the GC without verse 18 is kind of like trying to start a car with no engine: it just doesn’t have any power. Verse 18 is the ‘Who’ and the ‘Why’ of the Great Commission. It’s essentially what makes the Great Commission so great.

Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand…Some of you know that the LORD has been waking me up for months now at 3:30am to pray. On Sept 13th the LORD brought Jeremiah 33 to mind. In October I was waking up at 3:30 every night for several nights in a row. I was led to Jeremiah 33 over and over again throughout the month of October. This morning, November 1st, at 3:30am the LORD got me out of bed (in a very persistent manner) and brought me back to Jeremiah 33. Yesterday I was listening to a message by Michael Frost talking about how to advance the Gospel in a post-Christian Context. It falls in line with Jer 33. I believe God is promising revival for America. I don’t know when but I know I’m supposed to pray. I feel a little crazy but I’m also am reminded of Ezek 33.1-6.

O Lord I pray this prayer for America. Please wake us from our slumber. Cause us to turn to You. Revive us O Lord in Christ Jesus! Be our King!