What Authority Do We Have?

Matthew 28:18-20 ESV
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The authority in the passage clearly belongs to Jesus. He tells those who fall under His authority what to do. Based on the Great Commission, the authority that believers possess is the authority to go into all the world, to make disciples, to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the authority to teach Jesus’ commands.

In this authority, the believer is simply obeying orders. We would do well to follow orders instead of running out beyond our umbrella of protection of the Father on our own. Too many times we think God backs us up, I would prefer staying by His side. If He gives me any power or authority I’ll use it for His glory, not my own.

In my late teens and early twenties, there was a movement that claimed we had the power to claim things and receive them. That movement also claimed to have power to command and demons would flee. I do not doubt that we have this power through Jesus, but it would take His prompting for us to do this, not at our own choosing.

Prayer:
Lord God, I just want to follow Your lead and obey Your orders. I don’t want to overstep my abilities and start fighting on my own merit and power. All the power that I possess is from You, In You and for You. In Your name Lord God, I submit to Your Authority, Amen!