Jesus Has All Authority

“When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.'” (Matthew 28:17-18)

The Beginning of Doubt, Disbelief, and Disobedience to God

There is a long history of humanity disobeying God. Adam and Eve desired more than their perfect life. Cain chose the sacrifice he wanted to give to God, became angry when God rejected it, and murdered Abel, his brother.

Still, the Israelites exhibited the most significant doubt and disobedience against God. As if suffering intensely as enslaved people in Egypt was not enough oppression, they openly rebelled against their wilderness journey. “Did we not say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.'” (Exodus 14:12 BSB).

The Prophet [Jeremiah] is Called

God’s Promise: “Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.’ Jeremiah’s Doubt: Then said I: ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.'” (Jeremiah 1:4-6).

Evidence of Spiritual Growth: Jeremiah prayed for understanding and faith. With humility, he acknowledged the ultimate power of God. “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.” (Jeremiah 32:17). Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? (Jeremiah 32:27)

Midianites Oppress Israel [Gideon is Called by God]

God’s Promise: “And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” “Then the Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?'” (Judges 6:12, 14)

Gideon’s Doubt: “So he said to Him, ‘O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.'” (Judges 6:15). God’s Promise: “And the Lord said to him, ‘Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.'” (Judges 6:16).

Gideon’s Request of “Show Me”: “Then he said to Him, ‘If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who talk with me. Do not depart from here, I pray, until I come to You and bring out my offering and set it before You.’ And He said, ‘I will wait until you come back.'” (Judges 6:17-18).

As the story unfolds, in verses 36-40, Gideon requests another sign of the fleece. Our Omnipotent God, who does everything for His glory, used 300 men to defeat the Midianites. “Now the Midianites and Amalekites, all the people of the East, were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude.” (Judges 7:12).

Because of sinful desires, we have the innate tendency to doubt God. And in doing so, we function outside of the will of God without remorse. Desire always produces disobedience against our Heavenly Father. We boldly and relentlessly pursue the husband or wife that God is waiting too long to give to us. We purchase houses and vehicles depending on our employers to provide lifelong financial security. We listen to our friends, family, and people on social media to “go ahead, pursue your goals, and live your best life.”

Fear produces doubt. Doubt creates faithlessness and is based on one’s perception of God. Many do not live according to the reality that “Jesus has all authority.” We have been deceived into believing in ourselves. Seeking God’s approval is no longer a priority. Our journey on the Path of Righteousness is only possible by possessing unwavering faith and total obedience to God. Believers must pray and patiently wait until we receive God’s answer.

To the disobedient who continue to pursue their desires, the Israelites are our example of people who witnessed the end of God’s mercy. Of the generation that left Egypt, only two, Joshua and Caleb, and those under the age of 20 were allowed to enter Caanan, the Promised Land.

The same God of the Old Testament who manifested love, mercy, and patience to human beings full of doubt and fear is the same God who requires obedience and faith in His Omnipotence from us. We are promised eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth.

Evidence of Spiritual Growth: I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14).

Prayer: God, we thank you for your love, grace, and mercies. We ask for forgiveness of doubt and disobedience. It is our desire to receive eternal life. Lord, we pray for strength, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit that we may have discernment, wisdom, and the patience to wait on You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.