ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY

Mark 1:27
All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”
------------------------------------

I have taught a number of classes on Six Sigma. I even got a certification as a Blackbelt, giving me the “authority” to teach, mentor and coach others. However, that authority would not always guarantee results. I cannot just say to a process problem to go away, and it will just go away. It would entail a rigorous problem solving process to at least solve 80% of the issues at hand. It would not work on paper, someone has got to do it.

Jesus is described in our gospel today as "One having authority." In Jesus we see One Who has that right. Jesus' power gives testimony to the fact that He is God incarnate. But His authority is not only based on what He taught us. His authority came from being able to practice what the preached. God the Father has all power and He gave that power to Jesus. Jesus has the authority to rule, to teach, to forgive, to judge, and much more.

He accomplished a marvelous work. He was the ultimate sacrifice. He paid the price for sin. He took our punishment upon Himself. He suffered and died in our place that we might have everlasting life. Still today, we, believers take authority over evil spirits and cast out demons in Jesus’ name. We are to destroy strongholds of Satan and we do this by taking seriously the authority that is rightfully ours as followers of Jesus. When we walk in obedience to the Lord Jesus, we have His authority. With this authority and His presence, we can accomplish the purposes of God on earth.

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, the love Jesus had for this world is manifested by his death and resurrection. Thank you now that this love is shed in the hearts of believers by your Holy Spirit so we can extend it to a needy soul. This love draws us to your Son, our Savior - JESUS. Thank you for giving us the authority to use the name of Jesus in prayer and fighting the spiritual battles. We are not to rejoice in judgment, but in salvation, deliverance and in your presence. In your presence alone is fullness of joy.

Amen +

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.