Tag: authority
Week 19–Day 1–God Establishes Authority
Scripture reading for May 4: Psalm 75:6-7 “For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, but it is God Who executes judgment, putting one down and lifting up another.” Romans 13:1-2 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”
A clearly stated truth in Scripture concerns God’s supreme authority. God is over all authority and those holding any position of authority have their position because God placed them there. They are placed there to serve God’s purposes and enforce the laws of the land which also flow from God’s decrees. Those under authority are not to resist them or the laws they are to uphold in unapproved ways or they will incur wrath and judgment.
The psalmist said that promotion doesn’t come from any particular direction–east or west. It doesn’t come from the wilderness–something like the ‘wild west’ or from those untamed who appear to have their own authority. God uses various means to ‘lift up’ to positions of authority or to ‘put down’ another in authority when His purpose for that leader is finished. In our land, elections are one means that leave us with the idea that the common will of the people has placed someone in authority. God uses elections to fulfil His will, as He is sovereign over all authority. In dictatorships, God also places rulers in their place and even the wrath of man shall praise Him and serve His purposes in the end.
These truths help all of us to stay humble before God and those He has appointed. Those appointed by Him also must answer to Him for their stewardship and treatment of both those breaking the law and those needing protection from law-breakers. They also are mindful that they serve at God’s pleasure as He has placed them there and will remove them at His discretion.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your just and righteous rulership over all creation. Thank You for reminding us all that You establish human authority and governments and systems of law and order. Help me to submit to You and Your will in my treatment of those in authority. As I exercise authority, may I fulfil Your will with Your heart. Amen.
Day 2–Jesus Respects Faith
Scripture reading: Matthew 8:13 “And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go, let it be done for you as you have believed.”
A Roman centurion, a military commander over one hundred men, came to Jesus asking for healing for a servant that was paralyzed and suffering at his home. Jesus told him that He would come and heal him. (Matthew 8:5-12) But this centurion spoke a word of faith to Jesus that caused Jesus to marvel and declare the servant healed. This centurion asked Jesus just to speak a command to the affliction and that he understood that the paralysis would leave. The centurion understood authority as he was a man who himself was under authority. Under that authority, he exercised authority over those assigned to his unit. He simply spoke commands and the men obeyed him and did what he commanded.
Jesus marveled at this man’s understanding of authority and his faith in the spoken command of one in authority. He called His followers and proclaimed that this man had greater faith than any He had observed in Israel! Jesus warned the disciples and Jews that only those with genuine faith would enter the kingdom. Some who professed to have faith would lose out of their reward because their faith was not genuine. The centurion was rewarded with Jesus’ simple declaration. He could go on his way knowing that as he had believed, it was already done!
As first responders, we are those under authority of our assigned leaders. We are to obey the commands given to us and work within the established guidelines. If we are in command over an incident or response team, we must give clear instructions and trust those with us to obey. Respecting authority and exercising servant leadership are key elements to help us succeed and respond properly. As believers in Jesus, we are always under His authority. Remembering this and acting in faith on His Word can give us confidence that He will be present with us to fulfill His Word.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for establishing authority and being the Supreme Authority over all authority. Help me to respect those You have placed in authority and cooperate with them. Help me to exercise authority humbly as a servant leader to accomplish Your will. Amen.
Day 3–Jesus Multiplied Workers!
Scripture reading: Matthew 10:1 “And He called to Him twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. . . .Vs 5: These twelve Jesus sent out. . .”
Jesus had Himself, with His disciples, gone out to all the cities and villages preaching the Good News and healing the sick. Jesus had called twelve disciples that He had selected and invited to be with Him and learn from Him. This was His Father’s plan to multiply workers who would help to bring the Good News of God’s love for hurting people. This chosen group of disciples would form the initial team of workers. They needed training in God’s way of loving and reaching out. They learned the way by following Jesus Christ as He modeled ministry for them. Jesus preached the Gospel of God’s kingdom, inviting all to repent and join the group. Only those who were willing to follow Jesus would be included.
Jesus gave authority to those who came under His teaching and responded to the Good News. They would not be lone rangers, but would be under God’s authority and instruction. They would use their delegated authority to help hurting people and bring deliverance and healing. God’s heart was not just expressed in the Gospel of repentance and faith, but came with power. God demonstrated His love by healing the diseased and afflicted and delivering those in bondage to sin or under Satan’s control.
As we look at our lives as first responders, we see many parallels to the discipleship process instituted by Jesus and God the Father. Those involved have had to willingly volunteer to come under authority of the department of government that we serve. We are then given authority to serve others. We study to learn the proper ways to help as taught by those in authority in our department. We are sent out, often in a team, to help those in need. The older teach the younger by example and supervised responses. When we complete an incident, we evaluate our processes and make corrections if needed.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for calling me to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Thank You for those You have provided to mentor me and correct me along the way. Thank You for Your calling to be a first responder and be a part of Your team to help hurting people. Amen.
Living as Servants of God
Scripture reading for November 10: 1 Peter 2
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by Him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants be subject to you masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.” 1 Peter 2:13-19
Peter was writing to a suffering church that was enduring persecution to help them function in a wicked culture. Following the resurrection, he was shown by Jesus how he would suffer and how he would die. (John 21:18-19) Peter emphasized that we should not suffer as a result of our own rebellion to the government or disrespect for human authorities. Here he emphasized voluntary submission, even to a wicked Gentile emperor. Governors who served under the emperor were also to be honored and respected in that they served to punish the evil-doers and encourage the upright. (Romans 13:1-5) All authority is established by God and answers to Him.
Believers have been set free from sin and it’s penalty, but should not use their new-found freedom as a license to continue in sin. They are servants of God and should reflect their Master to those in the world. Each person should be treated with honor as made in God’s image. Love should mark our every action and attitude, reflecting God the Father, who is Love! We should always honor God in all we do as well as the emperor and governors appointed by Him. If we serve as a slave, employee, or volunteer, we should serve with a respectful attitude to all, whether they treat us respectfully or with contempt and injustice. Because we have received God’s amazing grace, we are to be gracious even as we may suffer unjustly.
How do you receive the instruction offered here by Peter on respect and submission to authority, good or unjust? What does it mean to submit to authorities and why are we to do this even to the harsh ones? Why are believers to be gracious in suffering unjustly?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for all authority that You place in this world and in my life. Help me to cheerfully submit to authority and honor them properly by respect and obedience. By the Holy Spirit, let Your grace flow in my life towards those who are evil and unjust. May your mercy lead them to repent. Amen.
Don’t resist God’s authority
Scripture reading for July 1: Romans 13
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he dos not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Romans 13:1-5
We are born in sin. The underlying essence of sin is resistance and disobedience to rightful authority. Scripture makes it plain that all authority has been instituted by God. Authority is delegated by God to those He places in positions of authority. God ordains those in authority to protect the weak, innocent, and obedient members of society. He also empowers authority to restrain evil, rebellion and harm in those resisting authority. They are given power even to take life of certain law-breakers. Paul described this as being a servant of God’s wrath, avenging those involved in evil.
Resisting parents, teachers, law enforcement, government officials, or church leaders is resisting what has been established by God. Scripture directs believers to submit to those in authority. We are to honor and obey authority because we honor God. Those in authority are a protective covering supplied by God to the righteous, protecting them from wrong-doers. Paul clarified that we are subject to those in authority not only to avoid God’s wrath, but for conscience sake. God has placed a knowledge of right and wrong in us through conscience. We are to be at peace with God, our conscience, and authority.
What attitudes and actions display a resistance and disrespect of authority in our culture? Do you find that the view of all authority coming from God for your good is widely held by those around you? What are some ways that you might show honor to those God has placed over you?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for my rebellion against authority. I find myself justifying breaking laws, speaking evil of those in leadership I disagree with, and even resisting You and Your Word. Thank You for Your patience with me to form new respect for Your authority and those you place over me. Help me! Amen.
Jesus’ view of demons
Scripture reading for January 10: Matthew 8
“And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve Him. That evening they brought to Him many who were oppressed by demons, and He cast out the spirits with a Word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.”” Matthew 8:14-17
Our world works to try and explain everything naturally or scientifically. We are told sickness is the result of an infection or virus or failure in our immune system. Oppression and depression are treated with chemicals to raise our moods. Counseling or therapy seeks to deal with hidden past experiences or suppressed emotions. We have so called ‘experts’ in treating each disorder and believe that human ingenuity and medicine can overcome most things.
But Jesus Christ saw the world differently and brought a different approach to dealing with sickness, disease, and oppression. He recognized the spirit world and demons as real but under His authority. He reached out to touch those who were sick and His touch released them from the sickness. Peter’s mother-in-law was instantly healed of a fever and rose to serve Jesus and His disciples. This revelation motivated others who were hurting or had loved ones in distress to bring them to Jesus. The Scripture records Jesus healing them all and casting out demons by His command. He showed that He had authority over sickness and demons who would oppress men or women made in God’s image. This was foretold by Isaiah the prophet some seven hundred years before. (Isaiah 53:4)
What is your normal approach to sickness or disease or depression? Do you go to ‘experts’ first for help? Are you aware of Jesus’ approach and Scriptures that detail our authority and privilege to ask for healing and deliverance? Is there any change you should make to your world-view regarding these issues?
Prayer: Father, I am thankful that Jesus came and revealed Your heart towards those suffering with disease, sickness and oppression. Help me to overcome my natural tendencies to deal with everything my way or just as ‘experts’ tell me. Open my eyes to Your Word and authority in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“Jesus-please leave!”
Scripture reading for October 15: Mark 4-7
We who love Jesus can’t envision asking Him to depart from us. We would invite Him to stay with us as long as possible to enjoy His companionship. Jesus wants to come and be with us as well. He came to earth to seek out and save lost people. (Luke 19:10)
After ministering to a crowd all day, Jesus told His disciples that they should go to the other side of the lake. They got in boats and Jesus got in the stern, found a cushion and went to sleep. As they crossed the lake in the night, a furious wind arose that threatened to swamp the boat. The disciples excitedly woke Jesus, pleading for help. Jesus rebuked the wind and waves and a calm suddenly fell upon them. They were terrified and marveled about how the wind and waves obeyed Jesus! He chastened them for their fear and lack of faith. (Mark 4:35-41)
When they got across the lake, a man with an evil spirit came from among some tombs to meet Jesus. He had chains on his hands and feet and looked like a madman. Upon seeing Jesus, he ran to Him and fell on his knees begging not to be tortured. The man’s name was “Legion” because of the large number of demons in him. Jesus rebuked the evil spirits and sent them into a large herd of pigs as they had requested. The swine ran over a steep bank, tumbled into the lake and drowned.
The man was delivered, set free from the bondage, and in his right mind! (Mark 4:14-17) The people of the region, who depended on the pigs for their sustenance, were terrified and angry. They came to Jesus and asked Him to leave their region. Mark records that Jesus got into the boat to leave, and the delivered man asked to come along. Jesus sent him back to tell his family of what the Lord had done for him and then departed. This man became an evangelist, telling others what Jesus had done for him.
Jesus loved and cared for His own disciples. He’s always with us and is aware of our needs! He has given us authority through faith in Him to do what He has asked of us. Nothing is too hard, dangerous, or difficult! Jesus loves to go out of His way to find those who need help. He will go through water, storm, and forces of hell to reach a lost soul. Those who were only into themselves were threatened by Jesus’ presence. They asked Him to leave! Let’s ask the Lord for His passion to reach the lost!
Promotion is from God
Scripture reading for June 18: Psalms 73-77
We live in a land where democracy and the rule of the people have clouded our understanding of authority and how it is obtained. We tend to think that we work our way into positions of authority. We campaign hard and make a case and the votes place us in office. In the church, we elect a pastor and then elect board members and deacons to fill positions of authority. We think that the power is given to the church body to place someone in position. In our world, promotion comes with political power and influence. It’s who you know that can get you where you want to be.
The psalmist gives us insight into the true source of authority in Psalm 75. God is the one who rules all the earth and mankind. (Psalm 75:2-3) He sets the appointed time for judgment and is the one who holds all the earth together. He will shake the pillars of the earth at the time He sets! Arrogant man boasts of his own power and achievements. The wicked are warned not to “lift up your horns”. Horns in the Bible refer to power or authority. Wicked people think that they have all power over heaven and deny God’s power and authority. They will be sadly shocked when God arises to shake things up!
The psalmist states that no man can really exalt another man. God alone is in charge and is the judge of all. He places those He wants in power and authority and can remove them at any time He desires! He raises up one and brings down another. (Psalm 75:6-7) He is able to judge the wicked and make them drink a cup full of foaming wine, representing His wrath against sin. The psalmist states that this truth will be declared by him forever as praise to the Lord Who is all powerful!
God is truly in charge! Even when it appears that the wicked are prospering and have no cares, God will judge them in His appointed time. (Psalm 73:15-20) We are to fear God and serve Him alone. Declaring God’s power and authority to our generation is a duty and privilege of the righteous! Share these truths with someone in your life today! Make it a practice to view life and promotion from God’s perspective! Look to Him alone for the position that you desire!
Speech with authority!
Scripture reading for July 6th: Luke 7, Psalm 134, Proverbs 10
Luke 7:6-10 “And Jesus went with them. When He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the Word, and let my servant be healed. For I am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed Him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.”
A Gentile army commander sent word to Jesus that his servant was sick and near death. He humbly sent some elders to Jesus to ask for help. Upon hearing the request, Jesus went to help. On the way, the centurion sent other servants to plead with Jesus not to come, but to ‘just say the Word, and my servant will be healed.’ This statement of faith caused Jesus to marvel and commend the centurion for his understanding of authority and the power that comes from speaking truth. Believers have authority given to them by God through Jesus’ Name to speak healing, blessing, provision and life as directed by the Holy Spirit. We bless others and bless our Lord when we act and speak in faith!
Psalm 134:1-3 “Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord! May the Lord bless you from Zion, He Who made heaven and earth!”
Prayer: Father God, we bless You today and lift up our hands to Your supreme authority! You have blessed us with authority through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Fill us with the Holy Spirit and wisdom and direction to have faith like that centurion who trusted in the power of Your Word. Use my mouth to speak wisdom and what is right and bless Your Name. Let Your blessing flow to me from heaven!
Proverbs 10:31-32 “The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.”
“Greetings!”
Scripture reading for August 24th: Isaiah 14-16, Matthew 28
Matthew 28: 5-10 “But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus Who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen from the dead, and behold, He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him. See, I have told you.: So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.””
Matthew concludes his Gospel with the best news ever! Jesus, after three days in a tomb, is no longer there! He is alive and on the move again. He is giving instructions to the women who first visited the tomb. He first sent and angel, but then personally greeted them and told them the same message. Fear was their first response followed by great joy! They ran to tell the message to His disciples. Later, the disciples gathered together and Jesus appeared to them on a specific mountain and there declared to them their mission and an assurance that He would be with them as they went into all the world with this good news!
Matthew 28: 16-20 “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw Him they worshiped Him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””
Prayer: Father God, thank You again for the personal appearances of Jesus to those early followers, both men and women. Thank You that You gave a simple and clear mission of going into all the world and making disciples of all nations. You are no respecter of persons, sexes, or nationalities! You promised us the Holy Spirit to live in us and lead us each day to fulfill Your mission. Onward and upward!
Isaiah 16: 5 “. .then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David One Who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness.”