I have been working my way through ByTheWell4God‘s “Come to the Table” devotional kit and this morning I found myself reading through the Day 5 entry. This particular day was titled “Wait 4 Days” and it focused on the fact that the Hebrews were to select their unblemished animal and then keep it for 4 days before offering it as a sacrifice. It also talked about the fact that Jesus presented himself at the tabernacle and spent several days being tested and questioned by the people and religious leaders there.
My typical devotional routine is to read the written commentary, read the related Biblical passages within my study Bible, and then look online to seek other devotionals and writings that I can use to add to my knowledge.
This morning I found myself doing a search for devotionals about the questioning the authority of Jesus rather than the Passover sacrifice. The first several were much like the original Biblical text and devotional which I had read, but then I came to a sermon titled “The Authority of Jesus”. After reading the online sermon I found myself focusing on two words: Power and Authority.
To quote directly from the sermon:
“Now in thinking about the authority of Christ, perhaps it’s helpful to consider two words. The first is the word dunamis which the Bible translates “power.” The second is the word exousia which the Bible translates “power” or “authority” and is best understood as “authority,” and there is a difference. Dunamis or power is the ability to do something. Exousia or authority is the right to do it. And when we say Jesus had authority, we mean not just that He had power but that He had privilege. God had given Him the privilege of acting in His behalf in this world with no regard for the authorities of men. And so He had both dunamis and exousia, He had the power and He had the privilege. It was given Him by God and He said that again and again. He said in John’s gospel at least three or four times from chapter 5 to 8, “I do what the Father shows Me to do and that’s exactly what I do.”
I was hit by a lightning bolt!
I have long known that God has the power to do many things:
He has the POWER to heal.
He has the POWER to align circumstances in one’s life to lead to a given conclusion.
He has the POWER to forgive.
He has the POWER to save.
He also has authority to do many things, BUT…… have I been overstepping boundaries and trying to take some of that authority for myself?
Are there things in my life that I have been holding such a tight grip on that I have attempted to steal God’s authority over those things?
Have I been allowing myself to question God regarding some things, much as the religious leaders did in Matthew chapter 21?
God, WHEN will you do this?
God, WHY have you not resolved this?
God, HOW can I help take care of this and bring it to a swifter resolution?
Perhaps God is just standing there in the wings, waiting for me to relinquish to him the authority that has REALLY been his all along! Perhaps it is time for me to step aside and allow him to once again take the pilot’s seat rather than being my co-pilot.
What about you?
Are there areas of or circumstances in your life that you have been trying to guide and direct? Do you also need to allow God to resume the AUTHORITY position in your life and take control? If so, pray along with me…..
Dear God,
Forgive me for trying to assume the control of things in my life. Forgive me for questioning your timing or your plan. Strengthen my faith so that I can step aside and allow you to work your wonderful plan, no matter how long it takes. Help me to praise you for your wonderful works as the AUTHORITY of my life!
Renewal and Refuge 