Authority

​The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.

Rev 2:26-27

​Authority and the place of humans on earth is a difficult topic to consider. We are made in the image of God (Gen 1:26) yet are fallen (Rom 3:10). Yet, Jesus still chooses to use men. In fact, He gave them “authority” to preach, over sickness and evil spirits (Mark 3:14-15, 6:7). In Ephesians it says we are seated with Him in heavenly places! (Think "throne")

​Both “authority” and “power” are used throughout scripture to speak of our place. I don’t think we are hearing it. Most folks I know have settled to “go to church” rather than “be the church.” Most I know sit around hoping someone would give them a name tag with a title instead of dealing with the broken things all around them. Many of us don’t take our healing seriously and therefore we are powerless to lead anyone. "Fear" or "selfishness"  are often the controlling powers in our lives rather than the power of God. We are left in a pointless wandering on earth like Cain (Gen 4:14) instead of like Abraham (Gen 12:1-3; Heb 11:8-12). I am preaching to myself here.

Understanding how this authority works itself out can be a bit confusing. But, Jesus “appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15 and have authority to cast out demons.” (Mark 3) The mantra of evangelicals has long been “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matt 28:19) In fact, the very reason he has predestined us is that we might look like Jesus. (Eph 1:3-14) We are empowered by the Holy Spirit so that we can tell the story of God. (Act 1:8) Somewhere in the midst of testifying about God's story in our lives, helping people grasp the mission of God, and dealing with our own junk we see healing take place. We find sickness and evil spirits being pushed out.

We must be serious about two things. Our spiritual formation and the mission of God. As we grow in Him we can make a difference for Him (Rom 12). What is my mission? Am I taking my spiritual formation seriously?