“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” — Matthew 28:18
A short time before his ascension to his heavenly throne, Christ commissioned his disciples to go into all the world as teachers of righteousness. “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth,” he said. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
The company of believers to whom these words were addressed, had assembled by appointment on a mountain in Galilee, there to meet their risen Lord. When the Savior appeared, he charged his followers to labor untiringly for the advancement of his kingdom. Again and again the solemn words of the gospel commission were repeated, that the disciples might grasp their significance.
Among the believers to whom the commission was given, were many from the humbler walks of life,—men and women who had learned to love their Lord, and who had determined to follow his example of self-denying service. To these lowly ones of but limited talent, as well as to the disciples who had been with the Savior during the years of his earthly ministry, was the commission given to go “into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” These humble followers of Jesus shared with the apostles their Lord’s comforting assurance, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
To the members of the early Christian church was given a precious trust. They were to be executors of the will in which Christ had bequeathed to the world the treasure of life eternal. Repentance and remission of sins was to be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And they proved true to their trust. Endued, soon afterward with power from on high, they boldly confessed their faith in a risen Savior. Many of such as should be saved were added to their number. (1)
Charge for the Day: It was during an appointment that the believers received the revelation of God’s divine will. Today, resolve to meet with the Lord daily; set aside a daily time to meet with Him and determine always to keep your special appointments!
1. The Review and Herald, March 24, 1910