A New Authority
"When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his
teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers
of the law"(Matthew 7:28, 29).
Focus: Matthew 28:16-20
When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples, He gave them "power and authority" for
their mission (Luke 9:1). When He charges us with the great commission, He says
that all authority has been given to Him. We go with His authority. How
easy it is to feel that somehow we have to muster up sufficient knowledge and
skill to have the authority to speak or to act. That is a mistake. All authority
is of God, and He freely fills us with all authority for our task.We're
told, we should speak as the oracles of God. This authority is inherent in His
Word.
"For the word of God is living and active.Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow..."(Hebrews 4:12).
The person at the receiving end of a sword does not
have to believe in it to taste its authority! Authority does not need to
be strident or aggressive. It is quietly confident and self-authenticating. If
we speak and act as Jesus wishes us to, people will recognize a distinctive
authority in our lives.
Take authority in the name of Jesus over any strongholds of sin in your
life. You will be amazed at the results!
