The End of Christ's Ministry

Text

"Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet." —1 Corinthians 15:24-25

Bible Reading

1 CORINTHIANS 15:20-28

Devotional

This month we have been reading and thinking about the heavenly ministry of Jesus. Finally we want to observe that this heavenly ministry has a goal. When that goal has been reached, Jesus' ministry will cease.

The goal of Christ's work is the kingdom of God. For that purpose he came to earth, and for that goal he works from heaven. When that kingship of God is fully established, God the Father will receive all honor. He will be "all in all" or everything to everyone. Then Christ himself will cease his royal work like a general who retires after the campaign is over.

When Jesus Christ transfers the kingdom to the Father, he will have destroyed every dominion and every authority and every power; that is to say, he will have destroyed all the forces that are still resisting the sovereignty of God. One of those evil powers is mentioned by name—death. Christ will take care of this enemy as the last item on his agenda.

The Bible does not explain how the different powers in this world ever got into evil hands. But we know that they are in the wrong hands, and we also know how we will get rid of evil. Jesus has done it by his earthly ministry, and he is doing it by his heavenly ministry. Christ is reestablishing God's power throughout the cosmos. The end will be upon us when he says to his Father: "Now all things are yours. The whole cosmos is subject to you."

Then there will be rest—eternal rest. A Sabbath without end. An enjoyment of the goodness of God without boundaries or limitations. No sin, no pain, no battle. At last we will be free, and finally we will have rest.

Christ is in command until the battle is over. Let's be loyal to him. It can't last long anymore.

REFLECTIONS

Reflect on what "an enjoyment of the goodness of God without boundaries or limitations" might be like. Then read 1 Corinthians 2:9 and give thanks.

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Not really much I can say can top this devo. It rocks my mind when I think about being able to worship and enjoy the goodness and splendor of our King. To be in heaven and have no boundaries set before us, knowing that all the trials and worldly challenges will cease to exist! Having a full understanding that once Jesus is done His work there will then be almost like a change in commands! How amazing it will be. I cannot comprehend that day when this journey has ended and we begin the never ending worship and enjoyment of our Father. To be completely enveloped by Him without limitations and boundaries. Awesome! Grace&Peace.