POWER AND AUTHORITY
And He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.”
Luke 9:1-3 (ESV)
Years ago, I was in Chicago, and we had a neighborhood block party. I had quite a few fireworks that we were planning to shoot off. The problem was fireworks were illegal in Chicago. We set some off, and then a police officer came by and told us to stop. We did it for a while, and then, when we thought the coast was clear, I set off some powerful and big ones. The same officer came back right when I was lighting the fuse. He let me know this would be the last warning he would give, and I got the message loud and clear. I had this power (fireworks) in my garage but had no authority to use it. So, it just sat there.
Jesus gave us His power, the same power that set the sun and moon into place, the same power that spoke man into existence, the same power that flowed in Jesus is in us. A lot of us believe this. What we fail to see is our authority to use it. Some people don’t think they are advanced enough as a Christian. They think only the elite Christians have the right to ask God to work in mighty ways. So, the power of God sits dormant in our hearts and souls, like those fireworks did in my garage. We need to awaken to a deep understanding of what it means to be in Christ. The verses above show that Jesus’ power is available, and as His children, we have the authority and the right to be bold in Jesus’ name. We should be asking for miracles, casting out demons, speaking words of life, sharing our faith, and trusting in the provisions of Jesus. Why? Because we have His power and the right to bear His power. Authority and power are your birthright and inheritance.
APPLICATION: You have the right to bear the power of God!
PRAYER: Ask the Spirit to help you see the power and authority you have in Jesus. Ask Him to show in what areas you are doubting His authority. You’ve been given authority over every unclean spirit.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?