WORDS OF AUTHORITY AND POWER

“WHAT A WORD is this! For with AUTHORITY and POWER He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out” – Luke 4: 36b

The Believer, following the steps of the Lord Jesus Christ, is called to speak WORDS of AUTHORITY and POWER: “And they were all amazed, and spoke among themselves, saying, WHAT A WORD is this! For with AUTHORITY and POWER He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out” (Lk.4:36). The Lord Jesus declared these to all believers: “And these signs will follow THOSE WO BELIEVE: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mk.16:17-18). These speak of authority and power over demons, harmful agents, sicknesses, and diseases.

We’ll recall that the same Word of Authority, Dominion, and Power was released from the Beginning of human creation: “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have DOMINION over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Gen. 1:28). In God’s first recorded words to the human race, He commanded us to “subdue” the earth, a Hebrew word that suggests being aggressive, bold, conquering and overcoming. Here, God introduced the concepts of authority and dominion; giving His people the opportunity to rule His creation; to explore, shape, develop, and add value to creation.

Authority can however be a powerful two-edged sword, filled with both potential and danger. Throughout history, some have abused authority, taking advantage of others. But this does not preclude its importance as a priority principle in the Kingdom of God. Authority was displayed and demonstrated throughout Jesus’ ministry. Onlookers were “astonished at His doctrine; He was teaching them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes” (Mark 1:22). He demonstrated authority over demons and diseases, and delegated the same to His disciples: “Then He ordained twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out devils” (Mk. 3: 14-15).

Showing the importance of authority, Jesus “marveled” when a centurion described how power flowed from Jesus when He just spoke a word. Why? Because he himself was “a man placed under authority.” He realized Jesus’ authority in the spiritual world. Jesus described how this was an example of “great faith,” and why authority is such a powerful concept (Luke 7:1-9). Jesus gave His disciples authority, sending them out with “authority over the unclean spirits” (Mk. 6:7). Before His resurrection, He declared that “ALL AUTHORITY has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Mt. 28:18).

There are several aspects of this authority, dominion, and power that relate to us believers. First, we must believe we have authority, dominion, and power, grasp the implications, and be ready to put these divine endowments into practice. But we also must realize the responsibility that accompanies authority, dominion, and power. As Adam and Eve demonstrated, God gives us choices and then holds us accountable for our actions. May the Lord open our eyes to the reality of the authority, dominion, and power He has given us, so that we can apply these appropriately, boldly, and responsibly in life, all for His Fame and Glory: “And the report of Him went out into every place in the surrounding region” (v.37).