Devotion's by Deborah

Devotion 2-14-24, Matthew 28:18- "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." As humans, we tend to think we should obey whomever seems to have the most authority and power here on earth. In human terms, that may be a government, a person, or even an ideal or concept. Many even bow to human-created objects - money, celebrity, sports, music. Many also bow to Satan in the form of anger, bitterness, greed, deception and more. But, Jesus is over and above and beyond them all! He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He was with God and is God. By His actions on our behalf - He was born, He died, He was resurrected - He has all authority, both in heaven and on earth. When we begin to wrap our brains around that, it becomes abundantly clear that Jesus is the authority and power we must obey. Many choose not to obey; but, that does not alter the requirement to obey. Just because many choose to disobey, does not make the many right! In fact, God has said that the "many" often are misdirected sheep, wandering blindly after false gods. If all authority belongs to Jesus, the choice is clear – obey Jesus. The clear choice only becomes clear as we determined to seek and follow the truth. Truth resides in Jesus. Truth shines a light into the darkness, Illuminating the dark corners of life to the investigation of the Light- Jesus. He already knows what hides there; but, people frequently do not know, or they wish keep that darkness hidden. Jesus, with His full authority, reveals the false so that we may turn to the true. Jesus loves us, but He also requires our obedience and our full attention. Jesus has all authority. He could eliminate all who disobey; instead, He loves them, woos them, draws them, instructs them. His authority gave Jesus the opportunity to choose. He chose to die so that we might live. Obey the one who loved so much!