Words by our Priest-in-Charge:

All Authority

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.……teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…..” Matthew 28:18-20

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. ” Philippians 2:5-11

In this past week, I met some simple men and women in their appearance, but demonstrate such authority in their ministry, effective in what they do. I sometimes wonder, what are the key ingredients in some of the very fruitful and anointed ministries that set them apart from others. I believe one of them is: authority. Jesus, in sending His disciples to make disciples of all nations, did so by giving them His authority. Not just any authority, but all authority.

The Philippians Epistle tells us that Jesus was given that kind of authority by first and foremost, Himself submitting to God the Father out of humility. He has clearly set us an example how to behave under authority. All disciples of Jesus are given that authority. But it must be exercised under the Lordship of Jesus – as we learn to live under the authority of God, we obtain the right to use that authority we receive from Jesus.

What does it mean to live under the authority of God? It is to be obedient to the Lord in all He says. Partial obedience is never considered as obedience, in fact, quite the contrary, it is equivalent to disobedience or rebellion. God is no respecter of persons. He looks inside us to seek one whose heart is after Him. Single mindedly, whole heartedly follows Him, observing all things that Jesus has commanded us. It is in obedience to the Lord that we exercise authority in Jesus‘ Name.

If we want to live a life that God has destined and purposed for us, seek not His blessings and favour, but first determine to obey Him out of love and reverence. Then, we will experience what it means to exercise all authority which Jesus has given us.