Scripture Passage
“Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers.” (Matthew 8:8-9 NLT)
Observation
On any given day, I try to read the whole “assigned” passage with fresh eyes. But sometimes, like today, I just love a thought that’s already familiar to me. Today’s regards authority.
Jesus is approached by a Roman military official because of a trusted and beloved servant who desperately needs healing. The servant “lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain” (Matthew 8:5 NLT). Remarkably (how many times have I used that word this year?), Jesus—who elsewhere declares that His ministry is to the “lost sheep of Israel”—immediately expresses His willingness to act: “I will come and heal him” (Matthew 8:6 NLT). But the centurion insists that travel is unnecessary.
“Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers.” (Matthew 8:8-9 NLT)
I simply assert that all authority is derived—that only someone under authority can really know authority. That's seen most clearly in the life of Jesus, whose authority over sin, sickness, nature, and even the demonic is illustrated again and again throughout Scripture. Where did Jesus attain such authority? How did Jesus operate in such authority? His words were these:
“I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” (John 5:19 NIV)
Hey—I think spiritual authority is a gift I could utilize—not to lord it over others; spiritual authority doesn’t work that way! Honestly, my first thought is towards myself, and the greater authority I ought to exercise over me! “If a man would lead others, he must first lead himself,” someone has said.
But beyond that, the truth is, if our lives will count for Kingdom advance, spiritual authority will of necessity be part of the mix. How is authority obtained? Via submission! "Ready? Begin!"
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1 comment:
Pastor, This is a new teaching. This Authority is not a demand of submitting. it is a sign given of position. It is not a koutou, but a display of true power. How many people do you know that say they are strong and cannot not prove it. Here Jesus proves it with out flaunting it.
By his word alone people are healed, walk, rise from the dead. And instead of proclaiming his Authority he proclaims his Father. Awesome. Ever think what the people, who were with him, wondered when he told the centurian to go back his servant was healed. (Hmmmmmmmmmm? Wonder if he was healed or not.) martin
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