Blessed Assurances From Jesus - Matt. 28:18-20

Blessed Assurances From Jesus - Matt. 28:18-20

"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. Oh what a foretaste of glory divine. Heir of salvation, purchase of love, filled with His goodness, lost in His love." (Fanny Crosby)

We live in a world that is filled with fear, doubt and uncertainty. Recently, a radio poll, released two months after the 9/11 crisis, showed that 78% of Americans are now living with feelings of fear that leads to considerable distress, worry and depression. Since March of 2000, Americans have lost more than $4 trillion dollars on the New York, American and Nasdaq stock exchange. Stories of corporate fraud fill our newspapers everyday making people wonder if they can ever successfully invest their money in the markets.

We can thank God for even these times of instability as He can work all things together for good for those who love God and for those who are called according to His plans. (Rom. 8:28,29)

Illustration:"Eagle Vision And Dependability" written by Christi Harken from Maple

Grove, Minnesota, USA

Birds of all kinds can see where they are going. They pick and choose

their direction and path. As birds fly by instinct they head where they

are directed. But they can only see what is in front of them.

Eagles are known to have vision. An eagle can see up to five miles and

often times is able to see well beyond normal sight. The eagle knows

where it is going and determines how it is going to get there. While

other birds migrate by instinct the eagle stays in its territory

throughout the year, season after season.

The eagle is dependable and will hold its place in its territory. When

a storm approaches, other birds fly in fear while the eagle is

energized by the challenge of the storm. The eagle catches the wind and

rises above the storm. The eagle glides through its territory during

the storm and will only leave its post if it is badly hurt and must

leave to repair its injuries.

I believe God is looking for men and women of vision “who can see” with

their spiritual eyes and catch the wind of God’s Spirit. These men and

women like the eagle are dependable, focused and fearless when it comes

to their God given assignments.

Prayer: Father, bless me with the vision, dependability and boldness of

an eagle to be used for kingdom work in these last days. In the name of

the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Let us examine some of the most enduring assurances given by Jesus in His great commission.

1. Jesus said, "All power and authority in heaven and earth has been given to me". Notice that we have the assurance of Christ’s supreme authority to accomplish everything He asks us to do. Christ reigns from the throne in heaven as our Mediator, provider and supplier of whatever influence that is necessary to complete His purposes. We have every reason to go forth with His power, optimism and confidence. The Fountain of living water springs up from within each believer to nourish them with a continuous stream of authority in their speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. Christ’s power intercedes for us in ways that assure us that if God is for us who can be against us. People, problem and circumstances will try to make us think that their power is greater than His but do not give in to their suggestions. Greater is He who is in you than the one who is in the world. (I John 4:4)The Lord knows how to deal with each person who is unwilling to bow to the will of God better than we do. Turn your opponents, opposition and adversity over to the Lord’s mighty power. He will fight the battles for you and always give victory. "There’s victory in Jesus."

The problem with most people is that they are not utilizing the power that is made available to them in Christ and His promises. Instead of appropriating the power and authority given to them in Christ they are often fearful of what other people will think or say about their beliefs. God has not given us the Spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discpline. (2 Tim. 1:7) When a person moves forward with an abiding relationship with the One who has all power and authority they need not fear, hesitate or look to any other source for accomplishing all of God’s will.

Illustration:One New Year’s Day, in the Tournament of Roses parade, a beautiful float suddenly sputtered and quit. It was out of gas. The whole parade was held up until someone could get a can of gas. The amusing thing was this float represented the Standard Oil Company. With its vast oil resources, its truck was out of gas.