Words of Authority
Let's continue exploring the worth of Jesus' words today. Let me read Luke 4:32-37: "They were amazed at His teaching, because His words had authority. In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, "Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who You are - the Holy One of God!" "Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What words these are! With authority and power He gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!" (Luke 4:32-36)
Understanding Divine Authority
Jesus' words had authority. The Greek word that we translate as "authority" is the word exousia. The Holman Bible Dictionary says this: "Although sometimes translated "power," exousia referred primarily not to physical strength or power, but to the rightful and legitimate exercise of power. A person has authority primarily by virtue of the position one holds, not by physical coercion or might."
So Jesus' words showed that He had the rightful and legitimate power to exercise over people and even over demons. He didn't use physical power, but simply by His words, He showed the power that He had, by virtue of His position as the Son of God.
Now, we quite like this thought when it comes to Jesus' dealing with others - especially with demons. Amen, we say, when we consider how Jesus has authority over the dark forces of this world. But here's a question: does He have authority over the dark forces in your life? Have you given Him authorisation to have His way with the sin and darkness that you struggle with?
Submitting to Christ's Lordship
I mentioned yesterday that Jesus said that those who listen to His words but don't act on them are foolish, but those who hear Him and do what He says are wise. Many of us love to hear Jesus pronounce judgement over evil, but are we willing, at His authoritative command, to turn from our own sins? To repent - a big message of Jesus, by the way - and to pursue a holy life?
Many people rebel against authority just for the sake of it. I wonder sometimes, if such people would be willing to come under the authority of God. Or if they still consider themselves to be the main authority in their lives, but come to God to feel a sense of love and forgiveness for their souls.
That's a wrong view of the Christian message. If Jesus and the rest of the Bible aren't your authority, then you're misunderstanding it all.
Psalm 33:4 says "The word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does." Friends, take Jesus at His word. Apply even His hard teachings to your daily living. If you are not willing to live under His authority, then that phrase from the Bee Gees is actually right for you: "It's only words!"
