The Authority of Christ - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
Matthew 28:18

The Authority of Christ
Authority is the right to exercise power. History has borne out the truth of what British politician, Lord Acton, in the 18th century said: "Power tends to corrupt; and absolute power corrupts absolutely." This has been the track record of emperors and kings. The more power they acquired, the less their sense of morality.

Jesus rode into Jerusalem to exercise His power as the King of Israel. He began by cleansing the temple, thus securing God's rights. But the Scribes and Pharisees confronted Him by asking, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?" (Mt. 21:23). He had told them previously, "Surely the kingdom of God has come upon you" (Mt. 12:28). They rejected Him, and His kingdom has been postponed. But when He reigns, "righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; mercy and truth go before Your face" (Ps. 89:14). It is written prophetically of Christ, "He will judge Your people with righteousness, and Your poor with justice He will save the children of the needy, and will break in pieces the oppressor" (Ps. 72:2, 4). Even King Solomon was corrupted by power; but the Lord Jesus can never be corrupted. "He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth" (Isa. 11:3-4). He will not be swayed by what appeals to the eyes, nor by flattery: "Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist" (11:5). We respond wholeheartedly: "To God our Savior be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen" (Jude 25).

Richard A. Barnett
Hail to the Lord's Anointed, great David's greater Son,When to the time appointed the rolling years have run:He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free,To take away transgression, and rule in equity!

J. Montgomery