#1111. Faith acts like Jesus has all authority (31/7/24)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily devotional where we are in our Summer Inspiration series. This week we’ve been considering the example of Jonathan and his armour bearer. Today, we see how The Great Commission is to inspire our faith and toward faithful action like Jonathan and his armour bearer.

To watch this devotional, follow the link below:

https://youtu.be/aC9-rl5T5gY

‘Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”’ (Matthew 28:18-20)

Matthew 28:18–20

Those who trust in the authority of Christ will have the courage to obey His great Commission. In yesterday’s devotional we saw that Caleb described: ‘my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly’. He believed God’s promises rather than the fear and lies of the unfaithful spies. Likewise, we have been given a great promise and commission from Jesus. We have to choose whether to be faithful or reject Jesus’ word!

Jesus promises that He has ‘all authority in heaven and on earth’! He is king of king and Lord of Lords. His Kingdom rules over all. Earlier this week, we saw how Jonathan and his armour bearer were very daring for God because they concluded: ‘“Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”’ (1 Samuel 14:6); they acted in faith because they believed in the authority, power and mercy of God. Likewise, Jesus’ words challenge us to take Him at His Word.

1 Samuel 14:6

Do we believe that Jesus has, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth’? Are we allowing this truth to release us into faithful action? How can we ‘go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you’? How will you go and help people to become Christians? How will you teach new Christians? How will you be involved according to the gifts and opportunities that God has given to you?

As we finish, let me remind you of the words we read regarding Jonathan and his armour bearer; notice how they beautifully compliment Jesus’ words in The Great Commission;

‘Jonathan said to his young armour-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”’ (1 Samuel 14:6)

1 Samuel 14:6

Like these heroes, let’s believe in the authority, power, mercy and faithfulness of Jesus to back us up as we seek to obey Him.