You Don’t Need Anything Else, When You Have Been Given Authority!

Jesus now called the Twelve and gave them authority and power to deal with all the demons and cure diseases. He commissioned them to preach the news of God’s kingdom and heal the sick. He said, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment. And no luxury inns—get a modest place and be content there until you leave. If you’re not welcomed, leave town. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on.”
Commissioned, they left. They traveled from town to town telling the latest news of God, the Message, and curing people everywhere they went.
Luke 9: 1-6 (MSG)

One trait that many of us as Americans have, is that we think we have to have a suite of “things” to get a job done. A simple tool is not enough, we have to have all the latest gadgets (down to our dress) to ensure that the tool will work. The interesting thing is – most tools work independently of the trappings we get – and our having them doesn’t make them work any better. We fall for the advertising hype! If we are going to do a simple “run,” gym shoes are not enough – we have to have the latest jogging suit to go with those shoes – you get the point!

It’s also like that spiritually for many of us. Jesus has already said: “He has given us power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and nothing shall be any means hurt us.”(Luke 10:19 KJV) And in our theme passage today we find that He has also given us both authority and power to deal with demons and cure diseases. He admonished His disciples not to take anything with them, not even a second pair of clothing! God wanted to get the glory- not have to share it with weapons and strategy!

This word, authority is a word that is not leaving me. I’ve been thinking about it for days – we have been given authority – by thie most High God and His Son Jesus and when we pray in Jesus name – that same authority that manifested in His llife, will manifest in ours!

In this short passage of scripture from Luke 9 – Jesus gave very clear instructions – about what His disciples were to do. Jesus still speaks to us that same day. When He wants us to walk in authority – He also gives clear instruction as to what we are to do with this authority. Too many believers want to use their newfound anuthority for the wrong purposes., to control their lives and to control the lives of others. This is why we often fail to see the victory that has been promised to us – it is a heart issue – rather than a question of authority

Most of our struggles in this life come because our hearts need adjustment. We have already received a heart transplant when we received Jesus – “He took our stony heart and gave us a heart of flesh” – no longer are we bound by a heart so hard that cannot be adjusted –

“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. Ezekiel 36:25-27 (NLT)

More on this tomorrow…

God Bless You,
Maria