Authority Over Death ~ Lent 2015

God’s Faithfulness ~ Our Everlasting Hope!

LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness

You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me in exploring God’s Faithfulness. Do you find strength for every circumstance in God’s Faithfulness? God IS Faithful!  God’s Faithfulness is our everlasting Hope! ~ Donna Oswalt

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son so He can give glory back to You. For You have given Him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one You have given Him.  And this is the way to have eternal life—to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one You sent to earth.  I brought glory to You here on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do.  Now, Father, bring Me into the glory We shared before the world began. John 17:1-5 NLT

Pontius Pilate would soon use his authority to condemn Jesus to the cross. Within less than 40 years, Rome would destroy the temple in Jerusalem. By the end of the first century, the Christian church will endure great turmoil and resistance. All the disciples except John will be martyred; yet, despite persecution faithful believers will continue to spread the Good News. Before the end of the second century, the power of Rome will be threatened by many invasions and civil war, and the third century will be marked with countless wars. In 476 AD, the reign of the last Roman emperor marks the end of Roman rule and the beginning of the Middle Ages. History continues.

Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus prays that all would come to have a personal relationship with the only true God and Himself. Having been given this authority by the Father, Jesus obediently comes to earth, willingly completes His assigned task so anyone who believes can have eternal life. Before time begins until after time ends, Jesus Christ can never lose His authority and power. He always gives a greater grace.

Blessed Assurance, You are the never-ending hope for all people. Amazing Grace calls to me, walks beside me, carries my burdens, defeats my spiritual death, gives me everlasting life. The world creates its political powers and fashions its autocratic authority, each to eventually face a greater power that brings more authority, an endless cycle of illusion. Open my eyes to see real power, authentic authority; let me see Jesus! Great is Your faithfulness to me. Hallelujah! –dho

Focus Point: Jesus Christ can never lose His authority and power.

All rights reserved; copyright 2015 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author Breathing Room For My Soul (blog) Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”