“And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, ‘What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, ‘What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.’ And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.” Mark 1:21-28
The words and works of the carpenter from Nazareth confounded the learned religious leaders and the curious crowds. What they could not understand they observed, and recognized as other-worldly. What He said and did emanated from His divine, flawless character and effused with indescribable authority, unnerving their minds and moving their souls. He could speak an effectual call. He could heal bodies. His presence evoked reaction. He was at once engaging and repulsive, compassionate and stern. His authority was too all-encompassing to be ignored or denied. (Mark 1:16-20,30-31,40-42; 2:14)
Authority: power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior; the moral or legal right or ability to control.
In this world, man toys with authority with push and pull. It is often self-defined and easily abused. It is seized or conferred or manufactured. It is manipulated for ill or exercised for good or resisted in stubborn pride. It can be misdirected by greed or managed in compassion and benevolence. We innately want it, imperfectly wield it, and chafe against the idea of submitting to it.
So different is the authority of our Lord and His word. God always exercises authority without caprice and in perfection. He is just, all-knowing, and redemptive. His word is perfect and abiding, inerrant, pure, and powerful to change lives. When we yield ourselves to live under His authority, we are protected and directed, yet too often we want to make our own rules and play at being our own ruler. (Psalm 18:30; 19:7-9; 119:89; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)
What causes me to resist God’s authority? Am I convinced I know best? Do I just like my sin? Do I deem His pattern for living obsolete? Am I flippant with His word, choosing to esteem and obey only the parts that soothe my soul or align with my lifestyle, and dismiss the others I don’t like?
Would I take thoughtful time to discern my motives in decision-making, review daily habits and interactions, and assess how often I command the throne and attempt to control? If I claim Jesus as Lord, am I willingly submitting to His authority in speech, entertainment, indulgence, every area of public and private life? What needs be confessed or changed in order to come under the righteous authority of our God?
Lord, may all I say and represent reflect You and the gracious, immutable authority of Your word.
As the rain and snow 