32 They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.
I wonder if we ever stop to consider what or who has ultimate authority in our life? Perhaps a mate or a friend or a boss comes to mind. Maybe we believe we are our own authority – whatever we deem correct guides us through this life. What about a job or a house or our bodies or our possessions taking authority over us? These things have a tendency to start ruling us rather than us ruling them. How about status or pride? We should not be deluded in this; we do have a choice over what is the authority in our lives. The answers could be as varied as the people who are reading this yet only one answer should remain true for believers in Christ – God’s Word. It should be our ultimate authority. Jesus being the very Word of God (John 1:1) came teaching His message. The word rendered “message” is the Greek word “Logos” meaning intelligence or word – especially of God, the word of God, divine revelation and declaration – no wonder the crowds were amazed at Jesus’ teaching! The Word came teaching the Word – now that’s authority indeed! The word translated “authority” is the Greek word “Exousia” meaning it is permissible, allowed; it denotes not only the physical capability to do something, but also the right and authority to carry out the action. How totally God! He gives us His Word and then through the power of the Holy Spirit, He empowers us to accomplish it. Any other authority chosen over a life lacks this achieving power. God always equips His children to do whatever He has commanded – always! Scripture is replete with examples. I love some of the following verses that deal with exactly just that: 13 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Ex 14:13-14 (NIV) 22 Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you." Deut 3:22 (NIV) 17 "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jer 32:17 (NIV) 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13 (NIV)
He calls, He equips. I don’t know about you, but that is very reassuring to me! This sister knows her flawed flesh is lacking! Things done in my own power are just that – flawed! It amazes me that I fall back into that pattern of working in my own strength rather than waiting on the perfect power of the Lord to do in and through me what I could NEVER accomplish in my own might - which of course is “His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). Waiting, sometimes for me, can be very difficult yet oftentimes God’s timing is not my timing! I love this quote by Carlo Caretto from The God Who Comes: “God comes like the sun in the morning – when it is time. We must assume an attitude of waiting, accepting the fact that we are creatures and not creator. We must do this because it is not our right to do anything else; the initiative is God’s, not ours. We are able to initiate nothing; we are only able to accept.” Isn’t that great? God comes to us in the fullness of time - we must wait on the Lord – for His perfect hour – in due time, He will lift us up! 34 Wait for the LORD
and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
when the wicked are cut off, you will see it. Psalms 37:34 (NIV)