Our words have authority too!

Reflecting on Luke 4:31-37

"They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority." (Luke 4:32)

It was by the authority of God’s words that all creation was made.
“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3)
God assigned this authority to Adam and Eve, to speak into creation.
“Whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.” (Genesis 2:19)
This naming was more than attaching labels, it was shaping reality.
Our tongues have power that act like bits or rudders or sparks.

“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:3-6)

All humans were to share this power equally, for good purposes.
But sin has divided humans, and distorted their use of authority and power.
Some like kings have authority, while others like slaves have none.
Yet Jesus demonstrated a remarkable authority over spiritual powers.
As the centurion in Capernaum noted,

“Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (Matthew 8:8-9)

Jesus had authority over spiritual powers.
He did not tell human leaders what to do, but He did command spiritual beings.
He also spoke, and the natural world responded (like calming a storm).
The people were excited; if Jesus could command impure spirits, just imagine…
He could command the Roman powers to leave, and soldiers to put down their swords.
They understood power in a worldly sense, a distorted and divisive power.

But Jesus did not exercise authority and power in a worldly way.
He used His power and authority as a servant king, to heal and to help.
This is what set His teaching and His activity apart from all others.
He was doing what Adam and Eve were commissioned to do.
To name and shape reality for good, maintaining the ‘very goodness’ of creation.
Jesus did not use force or pressure; He spoke life, healing, hope and goodness.

As Jesus followers we have been given this authority and power too.
Not to enforce government policy or to control people’s morality.
Not to exercise authority and power like worldly rulers do (Matthew 20:25-28).
Rather to use their authority to serve, like a slave, for the wellbeing of others.
According to Matthew 16:19, we have been given the keys of the kingdom:
** Whatever we bind (heal, as in binding wounds) on earth is bound in heaven!
** Whatever we loose (release, set free) on earth will be released in heaven!
According to John 20:23, we have been given the Spirit of God:
** Whatever we forgive will be forgiven!
This authority and power is intended for good.

The truly amazing thing about Jesus was His use of power and authority for good.
There are many people today with power and authority, but how do they use it?
All of us have some measure of power and authority over someone.
We use our words over family members, children, students, employees, etc.
May the people who meet us be blessed and amazed at our use of authority and power.
May their wounds be bound, and their chains be broken.
May their failures be forgiven, and their burdens relieved.
This is the authority and power of Jesus entrusted to us.
The anointing of the Spirit to proclaim (enact) good news and the Lord’s favor!
The authority and power of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness…
The authority and power of faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You have authorized me as a son of Adam, child of God, to speak and to act with healing, helpful servant power and authority. Use me by Your Spirit to speak life, hope and healing to those I meet everyday. May they be amazed at Your teaching and authority as demonstrated through me.