At every stage of life, we are subject to some kind of authority. Children live under the authority of parents, teachers, schools, and coaches. Employees are subject to employers. All live under the authority of government in its various forms: laws, law enforcement personnel, courts, elected and appointed officials.
During this pandemic, we’ve been especially conscious of the authorities under which we live. We have seen how uncertain, conflicting, unprepared, and territorial earthly authorities (all of which have been ordained by God) can be.
There is one authority under which we always live, and to which all other authorities must yield: the authority of Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ ascension to the right hand of the Father was imminent. There he would rule over all and control everything for the good of his people. His oversight would greatly support his disciples as they carried out his instructions. Known as the Great Commission, this command to “go and make disciples of all nations” is really a Grace Commission. It is both the command and the power to deliver the grace of God to people of all nations.
These words are the perfect preface to this Grace Commission. Jesus’ statement, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” gave his disciples courage and confidence for the task. He would open doors for them and place them in circumstances ideal for witnessing the truth about Christ to others.
Jesus is still in authority. Especially now. He is in control. Especially now. He is in charge of all things. Especially now. His ultimate purpose is still to reach all people with his saving truth. Especially now. He assures 21st century disciples of his command over all people and events. Especially now. This fills us with courage and confidence. He gives us opportunities. He opens doors. He places us in situations and circumstances that are optimal for sharing the Gospel. Jesus is doing some amazing things through his Word even during this unique moment in time.
Our task? Be ready. Look for opportunities. Act on them with confidence. Remember, all authority has been given to Jesus. He is truly in charge of all things. This is no one and nothing that escape his caring supervision and merciful eye.
Jesus as ultimate authority offers added comfort for the challenging times of life. Jesus as ultimate authority over all (even difficulties) assures us that he knows what is best for us and he will see us through. After all, he wants to use us to “go and make disciples.” He has commissioned us to dispense and declare his grace to a desperate, fallen world.
May the Lord use us to share his Word,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
Announcements:
1) The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision to lift Governor Evers’ “safer-at-home” declaration has potentially accelerated the timetable for us to be able to resume public worship. The Elders and I have had extensive discussions about how we may worship, but no final decision has been made as to when we may resume. This is a fluid situation with new information arriving on a daily basis. Please be alert to a possible communication from Trinity (email, letter, website, phone) around the middle of next week regarding the possibility of public worship.
2) Meditations: There are two ways you can enjoy the upcoming edition of Meditations which run from May 31 through August 29.
· The new edition is available to pick up on Monday through Friday mornings—Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00-10:00 am; Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00 am until noon. We will have them available in the entry way of the school by the office (door 1). We will set out individual books for you to pick up as many as you wish and you can deposit the payment into the box provided. Each is book is $3.00, if you have the means to pay.
· Another option to receive the Meditations devotional book is digital. This is free from Northwestern Publishing House for the upcoming edition. Go to the NPH website or find this link and fill in your information (name and email address): https://online.nph.net/free-meditations-form. You will receive a new devotion daily.