“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:18-20
Authority is at the heart of what it means to walk by faith. However, this subject tends to make us nervous or uncomfortable, especially as Americans, since we have a very strong leaning toward independence. Of course, independence is an important thing, but so is being able to submit to the charge of another person at the proper time. I have to admit that I, Bobby Schuller, have always been an anti-authority figure. I remember my poor French teacher in high school; when I had to pick a name to use in class, I chose Flotsam from The Little Mermaid because it was the only French-sounding word I could think of. My teacher explained to me that flotsam means fish, and I basically said that I didn’t care what it meant, I was going to keep that name. Unfortunately, the more dry and authoritarian this teacher got, the more rebellious I got. Not that I’m proud of it, but that was just my nature, so learning about authority and submission in the Kingdom of God was a challenge for me, just like it may be for you. No matter how uncomfortable you are with the concept, walking by faith means that you live in submission to the authority of Scripture and to the authority of the covenant God made with you. It requires that you first submit to Jesus and allow Him to be the Lord of all of your life — body, mind and spirit — and that you then exercise the authority He has given to you. Since you are Christ’s ambassador to the world, you can walk in His power — it’s both an honor and a responsibility, but it’s the most world-changing, life-giving thing you can do! |
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for giving me authority in your Kingdom. I submit to you and ask that you would bring your power to the world through me.
Reflection
How do you feel about submitting to authority, and how do you respond to the truth that you have authority in the Kingdom of God?
3 Responses
I watch the Hour of Power every Sunday, here in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada at 1:00 pm and if I am not able to, it will be on my computer to watch.
I enjoy everything from the singing of Hymns to guess singers and the sermon.
I hope that your little girl is feeling a lot better now and you and your family are in my prayers.
Would you please pray for my husband, sons and their wives and children, as I have not heard from them in a very long time. They live in another province in Canada and I can not afford to go to visit them.
Dear Sister I pray that you hear from all your family members very soon. Keep the faith in Jesus name Amen!!
Thank you for that Pastor Bobby, I understand I was an authority bucking child on some levels. With the authority in Jesus I find it foolish not to submit. Obedience is way better than sacrifice. I have a had a number of run ins with law enforcement. When God called me to move me faster into my calling. I was set up. I stood on the Word of God. Got baptized in that jail. my youngest daughter new the bad person hurting her couldn’t get to me and she told and her night mare ended as well. I walked free of those charges 91 days later so free you can’t even begin to fathom. I still always say Law enforcement and all earthly authority has my respect until they don’t line up with God’s word. I Love Jesus and walking with Him is everything. I use my authority in Jesus for the Glory of the Kingdom. Nothing has ever brought me more joy than knowing I am a beloved of God. I want to share it with the whole world.