Wednesday after the First Sunday of Advent, 12/06/00

Matthew 28: 18-20 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." --NIV

In the name of the One Who has all authority, amen.

Fellow citizen of the most powerful kingdom on earth! I sat in an airport in Prague and listened to a man in a panic ask, "Where am I going to get money?" He was from a small country (I no longer remember which), and the moneychangers couldn't exchange his currency for him. I felt relieved that I was an American. My language and my money was accepted anywhere I traveled. I tried to think of where the man could get help, but couldn't come up with anything. The man appeared to be an official representative of his country, but he was in a bad situation without many options.

Sometimes I feel that way as a Christian. In some places it seems like no one accepts the currency of the Christian nation. I feel rejected and powerless. But the reality is that I am a citizen of the most powerful kingdom there is. My king has all authority, and all power. Every knee must bow to Him, and there is no place where He doesn't have authority. So, while there are pockets of rebellion, even there I can still get spiritual food and shelter. Anywhere I go the currency of the holy Gospel will immediately buy me the life-giving food of forgiveness, and the shelter of God's grace (love for me which I don't deserve). The language I speak is the language of the Spirit of God. Not everyone can or will understand it, but because it is the language of the Spirit of God, anywhere I go that language enables me to do my work as an official representative of my nation. I also have the tools I need at hand-water, bread, and wine. I am prepared at all times, and in all places, because my King has made everything available for me.

You too are an official representative of the Christian nation. You carry the official seal of your King-the holy Cross. You too have the tools you need at hand, and speak the universal language. You too use the currency of the holy Gospel. It's pretty wonderful to be able to go anywhere and be able to do the work that you must do. Never feel out of place or powerless. If you find yourself in a pocket of rebellion, use the universal language to show the rebels that the King truly wants what is best for them. Travel freely and with confidence; you are a citizen of the most powerful nation on earth. Amen.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I bow before You in awe of You great authority. You Yourself made me a citizen of Your kingdom and have laid before me a feast that never ends. You sealed me with Your cross and made me a representative of Your authority. Be with me by Your Holy Spirit so that I conduct myself in a manner worthy of Your holy name. Give me the courage to act as a true son of Your Father. Use me to turn rebels into loyal citizens all for the glory of Your name, amen.

Copyright 2000 Reformation Lutheran Church http://ReformationChurch.org