He pulls away to show how dependent I am of Him
He loves me
S: And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
S: And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:18-20
O: One thing I realized today is that Christ loves me unconditionally. This is not an easy truth to take down, because my own standard and impression of love is so inferior to the love that God has for each person in this life. But He loves me, and nothing can change that fact-I mean, just reflecting on His great love for me, it just changes my heart in ways that are just adequately expressed through word or even music (though I may try).
All authority belongs to Christ in heaven and on earth. What is authority? It is the right to command. It is power, and it is law. And so, this is why Christ is King-He alone is Judge and Ruler.
And so, by this authority, all his commandments come into effect for those who are willing to listen and even those who aren't willing to listen-because, no matter what (by the evidence given by the latter portion of the verse) He is Sovereign. For those who don't listen, they will be judged. I'm guessing that the Great Commission is probably one of the many significant commandments Jesus issues-but I believe we should take a special notice of how Christ proclaims His authority over heaven and earth and then continues with: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; "
It's a simple command. Go out and disciple people-and the means of discipleship? Baptizing them (in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and teaching them to observe all commandments (notice how there would be a great cycle if the disciples themselves discipled...as they did...and how it continues to this day). Making disciples doesn't mean to make people rigidly following rules and regulations-following His commandments is much more as Christ Himself said "If you love Me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15) and "For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3) How can it be a burden to love God, who is perfect in every way and somehow loves me enough to die for me? It cannot be a burden to follow God, and listen to that which He commands, because all that He is and all that comes from Him is good. His Word is good (so basically His Son is good) and His Word/Christ commands that we disciple to bring more people to love God (people who keep His commandments).
A: Taking this as a whole - Christ is the ultimate authority, thereby meaning the Word is the ultimate authority (more Christ and Word parallels in the next LJ)...But I will not begrudgingly follow Him just because He is the very authority. But because I love who He is and what He has done, I will listen. I don't want to do anything otherwise-if I love Him, I will keep His commandments, and should it be that I don't really love Him, my life will reflect disobedience and rebellion. I will take in whomever He sends and disciple them-teaching them to love God with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength. For it takes that much to truly love God-and there is no means of loving Him without the Holy Spirit's guidance so I (Pray:) that all who come my way would have the Holy Spirit pressing upon their soul for change and a humility that seeks out God and who He is.
P: God, nothing but praises for Your Spirit's conviction upon my heart today. How righteous You are and how hopelessly lost in sin am I? To cling to the Holy of holies, is my desire.
Lazy, weak and submitted to the flesh, and a liar am I. God, without You, I would be so condemned. Please forgive me and wash me clean of this dirt that covers heart, soul, and mind-that which is so disgusting before Your eyes. I want to hate it, loathe it, and be the furthest from it. The only way to do that is to cling to Christ. To cling to Him is my greatest desire.
Thank You, for another day-for people You use in my life. Thank You for the breath I breathe, the songs I can sing, and this life that which will be fully conformed to Your Son's image one day. It is a testament to Your majesty-that this life, despite the suffering and toil, that evidence of Your beauty and goodness is present each and every day.
Lord, what can I ask but for You prompt Your Spirit to do a work in my heart so that I may be after Your heart in earnest? I never know if I love You, but You have shown me clearly, that those who love You, keep Your commandments-so would You teach me what You command? (send me to Your Word!) And would You always push me to uphold them in loving obedience? I only want to cling to You. In Christ, amen.
Soli Deo Gloria
0 comments:
Post a Comment