Thursday 09.01.2020
Bible Text: Matthew 16:19
And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven. You can read the rest of the teaching by clicking on this link Matthew 16:13-19
Memory Verse: John 1:12, But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
Yesterday, we deliberated on the topic “You have a say” and to add more strength to that basis, I will like to inform you that you likewise have authority. God is the highest level of Authority and He likewise delegates a measure of authority to his human creation. When the scripture says “subdue the earth and have dominion over it,” it logically means exercise authority over it. You cannot subdue or dominate without having authority. The Bible records that as Peter and John came forth, the people recognized they had been with Christ, they looked like ones who carries some level of authority, Acts 4:13.
In like manner, Barnabas and Saul were first called “Christians” in Antioch because from their appearance and attitude, people knew they had been with Christ, Acts 11:26. Being called a Christian is an actual identification by the world that you are a believer, a person of God who is committed to and operating in God’s will and carrying out works in His name by exercising authority. Being a Christian in one word gives you the authority reserved for those who completely belong to Him.
Each one of us have been given authority but the level of authority conveyed by each individual differs. It all depends on the level of relationship maintained with God. God is not a man that will lie, His words are exact, complete and true. Whatever God has said and given is a sealed deal but the level at which we operate with Him determines the extent to which we benefit from Him. The closer you are to God, the higher the level of authority available to you to exercise.
In today’s bible text, Jesus told His disciples about the authority he will give to them. This was after Jesus asked the disciples who people thought he was. Amongst all the response He received, Peter declared Him as the Messiah, Son of the living God. Matthew 16:16. Our authority is dependent on our connection to God. There is a level of authority a king has and as children of the king we have been given authority. In like manner, various officials in the palace have some level of authority depending on their rankings. Servants also have some level of authority depending on their office, but we are children of the King, we operate with the authority God has given to those who identify Him as and calls Him Father.
The level of authority you have depends on where you are positioned with God. Is he your Father? or do you just call Him father, don’t act like His child, but expect the benefits of a child? So many questions can be asked but most importantly, we have to note that our authority is only effective when we dwell in His palace as His Children.
In Luke 10:1-20, when Jesus sent out 72 other disciples to do the work of the Father, He gave them authority in verse19 and immediately warned them not to get carried away or driven by peoples response to the authority they were given, verse20. Even demons obeyed the disciples sent out because the disciples were operating under the authority and name of God verse17.
As a child of God, you have complete authority because God has given you the keys to the kingdom of Heaven which opens every door. Use your authority to take over your environment for God Luke 10:2, use the authority to win cities for Him, use it to stand up tall and subdue every evil forces, strong hold in your domain and outside it. Use it to do exploits for With God’s given authority, the world is within your reach and the resources within will submit to you.
I encourage you today, use your authority! Elijah and Elisha used their authority in dominating territories for God, likewise Peter and Paul used their authority in healing, breakthrough and deliverance. Jesus while on earth used His authority to raise the dead and perform so many miracles, use yours too!
I’m reading the YouVersion plan ‘Bible in One Year 2020 With Nicky Gumbel’. Check it out by clicking on the caption below.
PRAYERS:
- Father I thank Your love shown towards me and for the level of authority delegated to me
- Help me Lord to rightfully exercise my given authority in areas where it matters in this year 2020
- Help me to live above fear, uncertainties, discouragement and grant me the boldness to see our every opression
- Forgive my iniquities Lord and let your mercy prevail over judgement
- Thank you Father and in Jesus Name I Pray, Amen.
