A Single Verse
The forceful power of a small word in a single verse in the Bible can so easily be overlooked. The key to understanding the signs of the end in Matthew 24 is found in the word “all” in verse thirty-four. The time of the establishment of the kingdom is found in Daniel 7:13-14 when one notices the word “to” instead of the word “from.” Let’s take a moment and look at the word “all” and its importance in understanding the work of Christ in our lives.
Just before Jesus ascended into heaven He said, “All authority has been given unto Me in heaven and on the earth” (Matt. 28:18). The word “all” in this verse has been overlooked by so many. Pilate thought that the authority he had from Rome meant that he could release Jesus or crucify Him. The King of kings told the governor that he had no power except that which heaven had given him (John 19:11). If mighty kings have no power, then how does any mortal think he has power and authority over the One who has all authority?
Yet, in the religious world so many have ignored His authority. Jesus does not have all authority in a system which places the authority of the Vatican over the teachings of Jesus. The same is true of other religions in America. Modern Christendom is being torn asunder as church hierarchy deals with homosexuality and transgenders and their place in modern churches. The reality is that He who has all authority is the only One to decide these matters—He has all authority. The entire basis of true Christianity is found in realizing that truth is not decided by hierarchy, learned scholars, gifted speakers or by anyone whose heart says, “I know that this is what the Bible teaches, but I have decided to ignore that and follow what I want to do.” We have robbed Jesus of the authority that is His!
Being a faithful Christian involves realizing that He has all the authority in our lives. The words of King Agrippa show this when he said, “You almost persuade me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). Almost is not enough, it will have no bearing on the final day of judgment for one to almost have served Him. Look at Paul’s response in which I have purposely changed the spelling of two words. The apostle said, “I would to God that …you…might become both allmost and alltogether such as I am.” Almost being a Christian is not enough. He who has all authority says that it is ALLmost and ALLtogether.
There is no place for churches or individuals thinking they will please God by recognizing some of the authority of Jesus. There is no place for churches or individuals thinking they will please God by recognizing most of the authority of Jesus. His last words before He left the earth affirmed He has all authority. God help us all to honor that authority!