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 would receive $9000.
Maezawa was conducting a social experiment regarding the correlation between money and happiness. He wanted to determine if money leads to happiness. How would a sudden influx of $9000 (roughly 100,000,000 yen) impact an individual recipient’s life? He wanted to see how people’s lives would be changed when he gave them $9000 free and clear. Would it make them happier? How would their lives be altered?
What if you received an amount that was far greater than $9000? Suppose you were given $1,000,000. How would your daily life change? What would you do differently and why?
What if you received an amount so vast that it was almost incalculable? How would it affect you?
That is precisely what the Father has done for each child of the King.
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? He identifies Himself as possessing all power and authority 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 means being an all-powerful ruler with 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 who has control over planet Earth.
The enemy may have limited control over planet Earth, but the Almighty Lord God has ultimate control over everything, including the adversary. The Father has the enemy on a leash. Due to the Father’s ultimate power and authority, the adversary’s sphere of influence is severely restricted.
REFLECT & PRAY
Lord Jesus Christ was crystal clear.
Matthew 28:18-19 I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations.
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 significant difference between the Greek word translated as power – dunamis and the Greek word translated as authority – exousia.
Dunamis is related to ability or capacity. It connotes getting the job done, that is, having the required power, might, and strength.
On the other hand, exousia concerns authority – the right to control or command. It does not require personal strength.
Many huge offensive and defensive players on a football field 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.
The Father’s decision to bestow power and authority upon us was well-calculated and deliberate. We are entitled to take charge of circumstances in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ. As needed, He endows us with a supernatural strength that far surpasses ordinary human capabilities.
The Father and the Lord Jesus Christ didn’t give us their power and authority without purpose. Each of the children of the King is commissioned to make disciples of all nations.
We possess all the power and authority needed to accomplish this task. How’s that working out for you?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 12-16-1
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 