"And
this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a
testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." -Matthew 24:14
In the sixteenth century, a man named Suleiman ruled the Ottoman Empire in Eastern Europe. To the world, he was known simply as "the magnificent." His goal was to set up a worldwide kingdom that would be known for its justice and humanity. But then Suleiman died, his son who ruled after him was a drunken and immoral man, and the kingdom that Suleiman had worked so hard to build began to collapse.
How different it is with Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God. When Jesus was crucified, it appeared that all hope for the coming kingdom of God had been destroyed. The faith of the disciples burned at a low ebb. They had followed Jesus and believed Him, but had seen Him die on the cross.
And then with heart-stopping joy, Jesus came to them, alive forevermore, with these words: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." He had defeated even death itself. And while the disciples looked at Him in awe and wonder, He gave them a command that would change the course of their lives, and of the world.
In the sixteenth century, a man named Suleiman ruled the Ottoman Empire in Eastern Europe. To the world, he was known simply as "the magnificent." His goal was to set up a worldwide kingdom that would be known for its justice and humanity. But then Suleiman died, his son who ruled after him was a drunken and immoral man, and the kingdom that Suleiman had worked so hard to build began to collapse.
How different it is with Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God. When Jesus was crucified, it appeared that all hope for the coming kingdom of God had been destroyed. The faith of the disciples burned at a low ebb. They had followed Jesus and believed Him, but had seen Him die on the cross.
And then with heart-stopping joy, Jesus came to them, alive forevermore, with these words: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." He had defeated even death itself. And while the disciples looked at Him in awe and wonder, He gave them a command that would change the course of their lives, and of the world.
"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).
These are the words of a king who has given a royal commission. It begins with a royal claim, proceeds to a royal command, and ends with a royal covenant to His followers. AMEN! Even so, King Jesus, COME QUICKLY!
Prayer
"Lord, by Your power and presence I want to help fulfill the Great Commission. Amen."
We have been commissioned by a King whose kingdom will come, and it will have no end ... are your bags packed? Mine are packed and ready for the Rapture!
Anonymous Writer
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