Authority

In Matthew chapter 12 we read that Jesus is confronted by the religious leaders of the day. They are saying false things about him and his ministry, telling others that he does his miracles through the power of Satan. The whole chapter we see Jesus walking in great authority. He did not back down to the crowds, but stood with authority and communicated the message. Jesus walked with authority every where. Authority when questioned about his faith, authority of the works of darkness and authority over sickness and even death. That same authority he had we also have...

When we choose Jesus we become children of God. Jesus told the Apostles that all authority in heaven and earth was given him and he has passed that on to us. That means that we have authority over sickness, we have authority over death and when confronted by those who do not believe we don't have to back down, but can be strong and walk with authority. You have incredible authority at your finger tips to expand the kingdom of God, but one thing must be done to walk with authority.

Submission... Four chapters earlier in Matthew eight we read about the Roman Centurion. He had a sick servant and asked Jesus to heal him. Jesus said yes he would go with him, but the Centurion stopped him. He told Jesus that he had the authority to make soldiers do whatever he wanted because he was under or submitted to a higher authority. He believed Jesus had authority because he was submitted to a higher authority, God, and therefore could heal his servant with only a word. Jesus marveled at his faith and his grasp of the concept of authority and healed his servant with only a word.

The same power to heal and to stand resides in us and is available to us, but can only be released by authority. In order to walk in authority you need to submit, surrender, listen to, obey those in authority over you. You parents, pastors, teachers, police officers, government officials, coaches, bus drivers and so on even if you don't like them or they treat you unfairly. As you submit to authority you will have authority and the power to do great things for God!