May 13, 2010

All Authority

I. Readings
Psalms 47, 147:12-20, 68, 113
Daniel 7:9-14
Hebrews 2:5-18
Matthew 28:16-20

II. Selections
Psalm 68:3
But let the righteous be joyful;
let them exult before God;
let them be jubilant with joy.

Daniel 7:10c
The court sat in judgment,
and the books were opened.

Hebrews 2:14-15
Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death.

Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and said to [the eleven disciples], “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. … ”

III. Meditation

Lord Jesus, to you has been given
all authority in heaven and on earth.

When the court sits in judgment
and when the books are opened,
then yours is the power to decide.

Yet you surrendered your power and authority
so you could share our lives of flesh and blood;

so that through your death you could destroy
the one who holds over us the power of death.

Lord Jesus, we will be joyful and exult before you;
we will be jubilant with joy, for you have freed us
who by the fear of death have been held in slavery.