One Who Has Authority
Who do you see as an authority figure in your life? Who is that person(s) that when they speak, you actually make it a point to stop and listen? Is it a teacher, a parent, a mentor, your boss? Maybe there's no one like that in your life currently. I love my kids and, as their dad, I'd like to think that I have some authority in their lives. But I know that's not always the case. There are times where I'll say something to them and they won't even respond. In fact, sometimes they won't even look up from what they're doing. It's like I'm not even there. And I know this is not unique. It's been like this in families for generations . . . even before the iPhone was invented :).
Authority is sometimes granted to an individual because of the position they hold. A pilot, police officer, teacher, or even a parent may have authority because of the role they play in a certain situation. But sometimes authority is granted to an individual, not because of position per se, but because he/she speaks and acts with the authority of God. We see this early in Jesus' ministry. In Mark 1:21-27, scripture says, "They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”
The people were amazed by Jesus' teaching and His command of the evil spirits because He taught and acted as one who had authority. They didn't respect Him simply because of His position as teacher. As Mark said, they had heard other teachers and didn't find that same authority in their teaching. The Spirit of God was the nature and source of Jesus' authority. He spoke God's words of truth and life. How much authority does Jesus have in your life? How much does He have in mine? As His people, let's make Him that person that when we read His Word or hear His voice, we make it a point to stop and listen.
God bless your week.
Pastor Darren
