Surrender to His Authority

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Luke 9:1, ” And He called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. “

Background

We Americans are very protective of our rights. We don’t take too kindly to those who try to infringe upon our freedom of speech or our right to bear arms. We hold as sacred our freedom of religion. Our judicial system is built upon the right to a trial by jury and the assistance of counsel. One of the treasured rights of those eighteen years of age and older is the privilege to vote. We also have the right to peaceably assemble, and even the right to complain to our government. Ironically, one of our biggest grievances is against one of our fundamental rights, and that is the right we have given as a nation to our Congress to assess and collect income taxes. Yes, we Americans are blessed with many rights and freedoms. But are we so used to voicing our opinion and disagreeing with what Congress or the President does or says, that we have lost sight that we are under their authority? Quite possibly. But as bad as that may be for us as citizens, even worse is the effect it can have on us as followers of Jesus. Neglecting or dismissing the authority of the government over us in our daily, practical lives in most cases has no direct effect. We scoff at Washington, but we still pay for what we buy, obey (mostly) the speed limit, and keep the laws as we know them.

Application

But failing to fall completely under the reign and authority of Jesus can be disastrous. In fact, it might be the root cause that our nation and government is as it is today. But personally, refusing to submit to Christ’s lordship, whether consciously or not, completely stifles His ability to carry out what He intends on this earth. When we honor His authority, we surrender everything to Him. And further still, we seek and discern exactly what He wants of us and for us. So if He wanted us to go and cast out demons, we would know and go do. If we were to perform healings, we would be surrendered to Him and go and do. He has all authority on earth and in heaven. It’s up to us to submit and accept it.

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God to show you where you have yet to surrender to His authority. Gain the power and authority of Jesus by letting go of your own rights.