"All Power is in My Hand"

In the days following the Lord’s glorious resurrection, He appeared to His Disciples (the Eleven) on a number of occasions.

But, uniquely on this reunion instance with His servants, He proclaimed a wonderful, timeless truth that was designed to become deeply embedded within the core of their (our) souls, so that they (us) would) always be reminded with whom they are intricately associated with (i.e. the Supreme Sovereign) as they are deployed into the formidable sphere of spiritual conflict.

Here, the Lord explicitly communicated to them the unalterable, wonderful universal holy declaration: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.“ (v. 28:18b)

Now, what makes this divine proclamation pronouncedly distinct is the fact that this honored exalted position of authoritative empowerment was not given to Him as God; because Scripture reminds us that as God the Son there was clearly never any diminishing of the stature of His deity, even during the Incarnation.

“So, what does this declaration refer to?” someone will undoubtedly inquire.

The biblical answer to this important question is cited in the text of Philippians 2:6-9 that plainly explained regarding the Lord Jesus: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.”

Again recall, as God, the Son could not experience or partake of death for us; hence, as the holy Word has highlighted regarding Him: “was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (vv. 7b-8)

Thus, in the aftermath of His triumphant redemptive achievement: “God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name.” (v. 5:9)

Now, as the God-Man Jesus Christ, Scripture unflinchingly affirms In Philippians 2:10-11: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Truly, this factual reality is more than just a mere theological notion or topic of discussion because its real-world ramifications on our souls has a pertinently determinative eternal impact.

Recall, in John 5:26-27 the Lord Jesus declared to His audience (i.e. every generation of hearers: ”For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.”

Earlier John 3:36, He sternly affirmed: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Listen again the astonishing, universally, paramount declaration He proclaimed to the Disciples: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.“ (v. 28:18b)

Indeed, “Do we really understand with this amazing statement actually means?” Or rather, should the question be asked: “Do we rightly care what this amazing statement actual means/”

Sadly, its sheer level of importance is not initially perceived or deeply contemplated until we find ourselves helplessly encompasssed in one of life’s significant storms of tribulation.

But notwithstanding our ability to comprehend and appreciate its basic meanings, or not, the Lord amazing declaration is hugely enormous in its sweeping implications.

ALL POWER & AUTHORITY

Assuredly, this grand declaration made by the Living Lord was not casual or impromptu generalization. He meant precisely what He decreed. He emphatically stated: “all power;” and explicitly He meant exactly just that “all power.”

Foremost, the Lord refers to His preeminent, supreme, authoritative position as “Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords.” But too, the boundless entirety of the spheres of His supreme authority are cosmically universal as well; He distinctly highlighted, “in heaven and in earth.“

Now most assuredly, we know about, and can somewhat relate to the provincial spheres of earthly countries and kingdoms. We know about the governing power of presidents, prime ministers; premiers and human potentates.

However, admittedly we must confess that we are completely clueless with regards to the position of governing rulership in “the heavens.” Yet, our ignorance regarding their existence does not dismiss the absolute reality of their existence; and the fact that the Risen Christ exercises complete authoritative supremacy of them as well.

This fact yet again showcases the sheer enormity of the Savior’s astonishing declaration that was given to the Disciples (and us). Hebrews 2:8 further elaborated: “Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him.”

Thus, to every generation of hearers, the gracious invitation of eternal life is extended to all; and too, each of us are personally compelled to consider its binding impact on the destiny of our souls.

Indeed, the Lord of God challenged (and still appeals to them) His staunchest skeptics and critics to dutifully search and humbly repent and submit, in John 5:39: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

However, even some 2100 years later after His glorious resurrection and miraculous ascension back to Heaven, it still remains the case regarding myriads of souls: “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” (v. 40) Prayerfully, we will not be in that number.

Although many have elected to presently bypass this unavoidable encounter, eventually each of us will have a face to face encounter with the Risen Savior and Living Lord.

And, as Philippians 2:10-11 again reminds us on that momentous occasion: “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Moreover, we should be fully aware that when instance of revelation occurs, the real truth regarding our eternal destiny will be unalterable settled as the Lord Jesus has identified in John 3:36.

We will either joyfully or sorrowfully definitively know, as the Supreme Sovereign has forewarned: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

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March 27, 2018

Matthew 28:16-20 (KJV)

16) Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17) And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

FRAGMENTS-BSA 2018

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