Authority

 

And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region. (Luke 4:31-37 ESV).

 

Much of the time when Mary or I need to go to one of the medical specialists that we have in our life now I always request to have Kyle accompany us. There are two reason for that. First, I know I won’t be able to remember everything that the doctor said, even if I did understand it all. Second, and most importantly, because of Kyle’s education and career, he speaks the language of the medical community as well or better than the doctors. He gains authority with them immediately in the conversation. That has been so important so many times in the last few years.

 

Knowledge and experience create such authority. We must understand that in all things Jesus is the true authority and power. None of us, no matter how well trained or accomplished are anything special compared to Him. None of us have accomplished anything by our own power. But with God’s power and authority, we can help lead others to eternal life and strength in every circumstance. God’s power is so much greater than ours, and that’s a really good thing!

 

I think we all need this reminder in our lives. Any time we begin to think we have all the answers, we need to be reminded that ultimately it all comes from God. At the end of Jesus’ ministry, he told his disciples that all authority had been given to him. Then he sent them into the world as his representatives (Matthew 28:18-20.) By his authority we are sent to bring his good news of grace and love to the world as well.

 

Our faith isn’t built on our own abilities and strength. It is built on Jesus’ power and authority.