I was born a child of the king. Royal status assigns me heavenly authority and responsibility. My authority as a royal stems from the great commission. But I have a responsibility to emulate Jesus Christ and not lord it over others. What shall I do with this authority and responsibility?
Royal authority
The great commission is the work of every christian believer. Because we are royal we have the same authority as Jesus himself in performing this task. Between ‘All authority’ and ‘Therefore go’ is the inferred ‘This same authority is also given to you for this task.’ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Lord Jesus, I accept your great commission and I will follow you in this task. Please help me to understand what to do in every situation. Amen.
Royal priesthood
Since Jesus is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, his priesthood lasts forever. We have been commissioned and share in that priesthood through Jesus. And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. For it is declared: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind:‘You are a priest forever.’” Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:15-22
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
Lord Jesus, I am awed by your greatness. Help me to declare your praises since you have called me out of darkness into your wonderful light. Amen.
Royal responsibility
The guidelines for royals in heaven are very different than here on earth. We are locked in battle with the forces of evil and are using this authority to defeat Satan and his minions. As shepherds of the flock of God, we shall treat other christian believers with respect and deference. In order to become great in the kingdom of God, I must become servant of all. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, Matthew 20:25-26
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:2-4
Lord Jesus, help me to serve you by being an example to the flock. Let others see you in my actions and words. Amen.