All power and authority ∙

All power and authority ∙

One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority Luke 9:1

Matthew 28:18-20

 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

January 10, 2020, Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa announced that he was giving away $9 million to 1000 randomly selected Twitter followers. Each recipient will receive $9000.

Maezawa is conducting a social experiment to see if money leads to happiness. He wants to see if the $9000 (approximately 100,000,000 yen) would affect the recipients. He wanted to see how people’s lives would be changed if he gave them $9000 free and clear. Would it make them happier? How would their lives change? What if you received an amount that was far greater than $9000? Suppose you were given $1,000,000? How would your daily life have change? What would you do differently and why?

What if you receive an amount that was so vast, it was almost incalculable. How would it affect you?

That is exactly what the Father has done for each of His children.

Matthew 28:18 Jesus came and told his disciples; I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

Luke 9:1 One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority

How much authority does the Lord Jesus Christ possess? The Lord Jesus Christ self-identifies Himself as possessing all power and authority, both in heaven and on earth. Exactly how powerful is He?

The King James version describes Him as the Lord God omnipotent [The Lord God Almighty] (Revelation 19:6).

The Greek word translated as omnipotent or all-powerful is pantokrator. It comes from two Greek words pantos – all, every, everything + krateo – ruler, be powerful. Thus it literally means to be an all-powerful ruler, one who has control over everything. There’s an interesting contrast between pantokrator and the word used to describe the enemy, the god of this world, kosmokrator (Ephesians 6:12).

Kosmokrator comes from two Greek words kosmos – world, world system + krateo – ruler, be powerful. Thus it literally means to be a world ruler, one who has control over planet Earth. The enemy may have limited control over planet Earth, but the Lord God omnipotent controls everything, including the enemy. The Father has the enemy on a leash. His range is very limited because of the Father’s control.

REFLECT & PRAY

I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:18-19).

Father thank You for what You are. I readily acknowledge You as my Lord Who has all authority and power in heaven and on earth. Thank You for sharing Your power And authority with me. Encourage me to use it wisely in Your service.

INSIGHT

There is a subtle but very significant difference between the Greek word translated as power – dunamis and the Greek word translated as authority – exousia.

Dunamis has to do with ability or capacity. It has the connotation of being able to get the job done; that is, the power, might, and strength required.

On the other hand, exousia has to do with authority; the right to control or command. It does not require personal strength whatsoever.

On a football field, many of the very large offensive and defensive players have tremendous physical power – dunamis. Next to them, the referee is almost puny. But the referee has authority – exousia and exercises it at will. He makes decisions, calls penalties, and brings the entire game to a complete halt by simply dropping a yellow flag.

It is no mistake that the Father gave us both power and authority. We have the right to take control of the situation in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ. But often, He imbues us with supernatural power which far exceeds normal human strength.

The Father and the Lord Jesus Christ did not share their power and authority with us without purpose. All of the Father’s children are tasked with the responsibility to make disciples of all nations.

We have all the power and authority required to get the job done. How’s that working out for you?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 2-05-2