Thursday, August 29, 2013

Authority


We have probably all had the experience of someone questioning our authority.  Parents, especially, can relate to authority challenges.  In the heat of the moment, a rebellious child may be heard saying, "You can't tell me what to do!"  

In his ministry, Jesus encountered religious leaders who behaved like rebellious children when they refused to recognize his power.  Soon after Jesus cleaned out the temple because of all the chaotic activity taking place there which distracted worshipers from being able to hear God's Word, the religious leaders approached Jesus and asked, "Tell us by what authority you are doing these things. Who gave you this authority?"  Their question was not an innocent inquiry, but rather a calculated, manipulative effort to catch Jesus in a trap that would, in their hopes, lead to his death.

At the end of Jesus' earthly ministry, just prior to his ascension, he said to the disciples: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me..." (Matthew 28:18).  Think about this staggering statement for a moment.  God the Father has given his Son, Jesus Christ,ALL authority!  Jesus is supreme and has complete authority over everything!  

In Luke's Gospel, we see how Jesus demonstrated authority with his word (people were amazed that he spoke with such authority while he was teaching), authority over creation (he rebuked wind and raging waters and brought about calm), authority over the demonic realm (the demons begged Jesus to let them go into a bunch of pigs), authority over disease (Jesus healed many people), and authority over death (Jairus' daughter was raised from the dead).  These examples reveal the supremacy of Christ over all things, yet it seems we often live like rebellious children, wanting to do life our own way instead of daily surrendering to the authority of Jesus.   
 
How about you?  Do you not only recognize the authority of Jesus but also have a deep desire to allow Christ's authority to guide you in all areas of your life?  Is your marriage relationship centered on the authoritative Word?  Do you daily surrender to Christ's authority in your place of employment?  If someone looked at your bank statement, would they be able to see the supremacy of Jesus?  How about your viewing history on the internet?
 
When we willingly come under the power and authority of Christ and live in obedience to him, we are given an amazing gift---freedom in Christ.  In surrender there is freedom.  In death (to our sins, our selfish agendas) there is abundant life.  

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