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All authority

All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.

So we have a new government.  As massive power is transferred from one party to another, and a new Prime Minister enters Downing Street, we should surely – whatever our politics – be thankful that the transfer is a peaceful one.  We should also be praying for our new government, as the Bible calls us to.

It is also a good time to remember Who’s ultimately in charge.  The New Testament leaves us in no doubt that Jesus – risen from the dead – has all authority in heaven and earth.  That does not mean for a moment that earthly leaders are to be ignored: on the contrary, the Bible tells us that God Himself has established the authorities (Romans 13:1), and we are called to be good citizens (1 Peter 1:13-17).  But it does have some relevant, contemporary applications.

For one thing, Jesus’ people, the church, must remember that authority belongs to Him.  Perhaps hidden by the election is the fact that the General Synod of the Church of England is meeting this weekend in York, and it looks like being a make-or-break moment in the current debate on marriage.  Please pray that those gathering recognise that all authority belongs to Jesus – the Head of the Church – and we must stick with what He has told us, even if the culture (or even the state) has a different view. 

For another, it is Jesus’ authority that should drive our concern for world mission.  His words above – at the end of Matthew’s gospel – are followed by His command to make disciples of all nations.  We are to do this, because He is their rightful Lord.  I would not tap on a door down the street and tell them to clear up their garden: it’s none of my business.  But if I were their landlord, things would be different.  Jesus has ruling rights across the world, and world mission is there to bring people all over the globe to recognise their rightful king.

And one more thing: as the One with all authority, He will keep His people, the church.  

I’ve enjoyed, this week, turning back to an episode in the life of the prophet Elisha, in which he and his servant happen to be in a city facing enemy attack.  In the morning, the servant gets up and sees a powerful army surrounding the place.  But Elisha tells his servant not to be afraid.  “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”  The story continues: And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.”  Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.  (2 Kings 6:16-17).

In a world of instability, we know that the One Who has all authority is ultimately in charge, protecting His people.  Let us, then, continue to trust and obey Him!