Matthew’s Mountains
Part 7
We follow Matthew in spirit and climb a glorious mountain as we read chapter 28:16-20 of his Gospel. The cross for Christ is passed, and His sufferings forever finished, and He is now ready to be received up into glory to take His rightful place again at the Father’s right hand. How we like to sing in this regard:
“Lord, we rejoice that Thou art gone
To sit upon Thy Father’s throne;
Thy path of shame and suffering o’er;
Thy heart shall grieve and mourn no more.”
Christ had appointed a meeting in this mountain with His beloved disciples. When they met Him there, they worshipped Him. Is it not always thus when the eyes of the heart see Him? Worship ensues whether in the corporate company of saints or in the individual.
It was on this mountain that He spoke the wonderful words of comfort, power, and authority: “All power is given unto Me in Heaven and in earth.” This statement causes our minds to return to the first mountain in our study, the one we read of in Matthew 4:8-9. As we do so, we recall the poor offer Satan made on that occasion. The devil could only offer the kingdoms of this world for what he asked. As a recompense for the absolute obedience of Christ to His Father’s will, He receives not only the kingdoms of this world, but as He asserted, “All power is given unto Me in Heaven.” He now possesses power and authority on earth where it is so badly needed, and in Heaven where it is readily acknowledged. Our hearts rejoice at the unfolding of these honours bestowed upon the Man whom the King delighteth to honour. Our understanding of these increases as we examine the Holy Scriptures. After man had done his worst to the Son of God, the Father did His best for we read: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11).
Moreover, in view of the future, we read, “God hath appointed Him Heir of all things.” In His resurrection and ascension the Father saluted Him saying, “Sit Thou on My right hand until I make Thy foes Thy footstool.” To this the mighty hosts of Heaven respond crying: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.” The redeemed join in this anthem giving their own peculiar tribute “Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” They also say, “Thou art worthy to take the book, and ‘to open the seals thereof: for Thou vast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” See Revelation 4 and 5.
“Behold the Lamb with glory crowned!
To Him all power is given;
No place too high for Him is found,
No place too high in Heaven.
He fills the throne — the throne above,
He fills it without wrong;
The object of His Father’s love,
The theme of angel’s song.”
What glory, and yet, what grace! Notice, if you will, that He longs to impart some of this power to His own, those that belong to Him by redemption. Because all power has been committed to Him, He says, “Go ye therfore.” What a privilege and at the same time, what a responsibility belong to those who are associated with Him!
This is indeed a lofty mountain, but from it we must descend like those of old to serve Him daily in this poor world. As we thus serve, we must ever remember that not only did He die for us but He now lives for us in the power of an endless life; furthermore, that He is willing to impart that spiritual discernment and energy to live for the glory of the Lord.
God grant that these few thoughts on the mountains mentioned in Matthew’s Gospel may stir our hearts to a greater degree of love and devotion to our blessed Lord and to a greater degree of successful service for Him.