The Invitation

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, baptizing 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

Have you ever noticed that patterns, reoccurring themes or events, ever make you stop and notice? At times, it’s easy to be dense and distracted by life, but other times I will stop and pause. And maybe even ask, “Okay, God. What are you up to? What are you

trying to tell me?” This was the case one Sunday when I found myself in the car for an 18-hour solo drive. With so much time in the car, I’d listened to one church sermon and was excited by the words spoken, discussing Matthew 28:18-20. Within an hour, I received a phone call from a dear friend, excited about a sermon, from a different church and pastor, on this exact same Scripture.

The context of both of these messages was following a particularly chaotic weekend around the country, earlier this summer. These types of weekends would be easy to think that God has washed his hands of this country, left us to our own devices. Yet, last week we took a look at the fact that God is on the move. Through the chaos, through the turmoil, God is doing a new thing. It was no coincidence that across the country, different churches and denominations, God was speaking the same thing through these pastors.

What is profound about this passage is that Jesus declares that all authority on Earth and Heaven belongs to him. And he imparts that to us, as children of God, we too have that same authority on the Earth. Yet, most of us don’t realize the extent of the authority and power we have as heirs of God’s kingdom and how we can transform the world. God desires for us to recognize who we are as His children and walk in that fullness in this current season.

God has issued an invitation to us today. We can partner with him in what He is doing in our nation. We are not helpless partners, but we are able to exercise ALL authority in Heaven and Earth to transform our world. Whether it’s bringing light to our homes and workplaces, being led to serve God in the marketplace, or even run for office, God’s invitation for each of us in this time is unique, reflecting our unique gifts and callings. It is our delight and joy, through time with God, to understand what our role to play is. We are powerful and capable of changing the world, bringing light to darkness so delight in where God is leading you! All He needs is a “yes” from us.

Reflection Questions:

God, what are you doing in this world?

God, how can I partner with you?

What does it mean to walk in all authority on Heaven and Earth?

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank you for inviting us to partner with you.

Reveal to us your heart for this world.

Reveal to us what you’re doing TODAY and how I am to partner with you.

We delight in the authority and power we have as your children to change the world.

Lead us and guide us in walking that out fully.