Authority
I grew up being taught to respect authority. If the person in charge gave instructions, I was taught to listen and pay respect to them because of their position. I have done my share of disrespecting authority. I struggle a good bit with “speed limit” signs and their authority over traffic. There are “Authorities” everywhere. I still try to show respect for the position of a person in authority even if I disagree with their opinion or their behavior.
When Jesus first began teaching, He didn’t have authority, but His teaching and healing soon gained Him respect. Check this out….
31 Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. 32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. 33 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34 “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 35 “Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. 36 All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” 37 And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. (Luke 4:31-37 NIV)When Jesus began His ministry, He had just returned from a wilderness experience where He was fasting and praying. He overcame the temptation of the evil one and was strong in the Holy Spirit. People noticed the “authority” with which He spoke. They were amazed at His teaching and the power of His words.
I want to give Jesus “AUTHORITY” over my life and me today. I want Him to add and subtract whatever and wherever necessary to shape me and mold me to His likeness and His will. When He has full reign over me, I can live and act under His authority and it shows in my everyday, walking around life. He is Lord!
Pressing On! Dwayne