Kingdom Business

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28.18-20]

As soon as I saw the section heading and before I even began to read the One Year Chronological Bible today, I knew what it was I would be writing about.

I knew that I would be writing about the importance of knowing and recognizing Jesus as He walks with us daily. I know that, for myself and others I pray for daily, it is imperative that we not forget Jesus' words, "I am with you always..."

Why the disciples and others did not immediately recognize Jesus in some of the instances where He appeared to them is a topic we should all remain constantly aware of. How many times has He appeared to us (even today) and we failed to recognize Him? 

Have you ever looked in the mirror and seen Jesus?

We should see Jesus every day in our own lives because He said, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Somehow the failure that often comes to mind when we consider our own failures to see Jesus always with us is a failure of comprehending the "all authority" part Jesus spoke in His last words before ascending to heaven. We simply have no recourse but to make ourselves understand that the "all authority" Jesus spoke of was transferred, from Him to us, in His following command, "Therefore (you) go and make disciples of all nations..." 

The association I am suggesting above is confirmed then in Jesus' words, "I am with you..."

Here is a simplified outline of Jesus' discussion:

• I have all authority
• You go in that authority
• I am with you

What "authority" is it that Jesus' was given (that He then gave to us)? All authority in heaven and on earth. In other words then, ALL AUTHORITY or, as I have come to understand it, KINGDOM AUTHORITY.

So, what business do we have in seeking God's Kingdom above and beyond all else? We have Kingdom business and consequently Kingdom authority to do so.

What business do we have in putting the needs of others above our own? We have Kingdom business to do so.

What business do we have in refusing to worry about our own basic life needs? We have Kingdom business to do so.

What business do we have in spending our time in prayer for others (even neglecting our own needs)? We have Kingdom business to do so.

But this is all just "talk" if we do not comprehend that Jesus is "with us always."

The Great Commission (as Matthew 28.18-20 has come to be known) is just a good idea if we fail to comprehend it in Kingdom terms.

Father, forgive me for living like Jesus is not with me.