“Question All Authority!” It’s one of the more disturbing bumper stickers that I’ve run across in my daily travels. Unfortunately, it reflects an attitude that is far too prevalent in our troubled society. It’s like the kid in school who refused to obey me when I told her to go back to class. “I don’t have to listen to you… You’re not my father!” Somehow, I got the impression that being her father, her teacher, or anyone else for that matter, wouldn’t have made any difference. Nobody was going to make her do anything she didn’t want to do – and that was that!
But if we want to succeed in life, learning to recognize and submit to authority is essential. From the moment we come into this world God places people over us (beginning with our parents), to teach us the value of humility and the blessing that comes through obedience. These two qualities were what gave Jesus the authority to move in the power of the Holy Ghost and caused demons to flee at his command. God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy… (Psalm 62:11,12a)
Power and mercy - what a wonderful combination. Not only is Jesus all powerful, but because of his mercy he uses that power to benefit those he loves, no matter how undeserving we may be. I wonder how the centurion came to this conclusion. Even Jesus himself marveled at his great faith.
In today’s story (Luke chapter seven), a group of Jewish leaders were sent to Jesus on behalf of a Roman soldier and his dying servant. Even though he was a Gentile, the centurion was highly regarded as one who loved their nation, and who had built a synagogue for them. As far as they were concerned, he deserved to have his request granted. As far as he was concerned, he didn’t.
Being worthy wasn’t the issue. Being humble and desperate was. Though highly regarded by others, compared to Jesus he knew he had nothing to boast of. None of us does. Looking away from himself, he considered Jesus and dared to put his hope in him. This is the essence of faith.
As Jesus neared the house, the centurion sent friends to block his way. Speaking on his behalf they said unto him, “Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: … but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.” (7:6,7) He then went on to explain what he knew about authority and why he recognized it in Jesus.
The right to command comes to those who have first learned to obey the commands of others. His authority as a Roman leader was not handed to him, but rather earned and maintained by his continued submission to his superiors. As a result, those who refused to follow his orders had the Roman Government to contend with. So much greater was the obedience of Jesus to His Heavenly Father, and so much more powerful was the authority of His word. Sickness, devils, and nature itself are all subject to his command. “Just say the word and all will be well.”
There have been times in my life when I felt particularly unworthy to approach the Throne of Grace. My failures weighed me down; Satan’s attacks were unrelenting. It is at such times that the Holy Spirit reminds me of the words of our Savior, “Verily, verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father IN MY NAME, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing IN MY NAME: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” (Jn. 16:23,24) As His follower, I am given the right and privilege to come to the Father in the Name of His Son. Nothing I have or haven’t done need hold me back!
In myself I have no right to expect anything from God. In Jesus, Eternity’s the limit… AND BEYOND! Hallelujah!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your compassion and power. Teach me to walk in Your authority, by daily obedience, and keeping my eyes on You.
