Daily Devotional for Monday, February 2

Jesus, the Source of Authority

“Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases,” Luke 9:1.

Even children understand the concept of authority. How many times have you heard one child give another an order, only to hear them say, “you’re not the boss of me!” Even they understand parental authority.

People often attempt to assert authority they do not rightfully possess. Perhaps someone proceeds to discipline children without the parents’ permission. Some have wrongfully exercised authority over property they do not own, like a squatter in someone else’s house. You cannot make obligations binding upon a company unless you are an agent of the company.  Arrests cannot be made without the authority of the law being recognized, “Stop in the name of the law” (Romans 13:1).

Today’s reading reminds you that the highest of all authority is that given by Jesus to His Church to carry out the work of the Great Commission. Just as the work of our nation cannot be done without proper authorization, so the work of God cannot be carried out unless authorized by our King. Jesus called His church, the twelve disciples, together to authorize them to overpower the enemy, cure diseases and to preach the kingdom of God. The same authority continues today to give power and authority to the church to do the work of the kingdom. No other group has God’s authorization to preach, establish churches, administer church ordinances, only the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Any other message, messenger, baptism or “church” is unauthorized.

CONSIDER THIS

Do you recognize the authority of God in your life? As a member of one of the Lord’s New Testament churches, the authority of Jesus should be welcomed in your life, not as an overbearing dictator, but as that of a loving Savior.

John Nations