What Jesus Did : Luke 9:1-2 - Authority!
by Phil Ware
Authority! - Luke 9:1-2
Jesus called the twelve apostles together. He gave the apostles power to heal sicknesses and power to force demons out of people. Jesus sent the apostles to tell about God's kingdom and to heal the sick. (ERV) Full TextKey Thought
Power, or "authoritative power to act" as the word more appropriately means, is something that belongs to Jesus. It is his because of his work in creating and sustaining the universe. It is his because of his loving obedience and sacrifice to redeem us on the Cross. It is his because of his resurrection from the dead. All authority is his—to use, to command, and to give. Any authority we have is based on the Lord Jesus' gracious giving of it to us and takes any sense of selfish pride or arrogance from us. To Jesus belong the Kingdom, the glory, and the power for any good thing accomplished and any debilitating thing banished from the lives of those in bondage. So let us seek him and not power for its own sake. In honoring him, we will find ourselves useful to others and a blessing to the Kingdom of God no matter how he chooses to use us or to empower us by his authority.
Today's Prayer
Father God, thank you for your Son. To you and to your Son belong all honor, glory, wisdom, authority, and power. I offer myself to you as your servant. Use me in whatever way most brings you glory and most blesses your work and your people. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
Jesus called the twelve apostles together. He gave the apostles power to heal sicknesses and power to force demons out of people. Jesus sent the apostles to tell about God's kingdom and to heal the sick. He said to the apostles, "When you travel, don't take a walking stick. Also, don't carry a bag, food, or money. Take for your trip only the clothes you are wearing. When you go into a house, stay there until it is time to leave. If the people in the town will not welcome you, go outside the town and shake their dust off of your feet. This will be a warning to them." So the apostles went out. They traveled through all the towns. They told the Good News and healed people everywhere. Governor Herod heard about all these things that were happening. He was confused because some people said, "John the Baptizer is risen from death." Other people said, "Elijah has come to us." And some other people said, "One of the prophets from long ago has risen from death." Herod said, "I cut off John's head. So who is this man I hear these things about?" Herod continued trying to see Jesus.-- Luke 9:1-9 (ERV)
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