True Authority

I am grateful for the men and women who take an oath to protect and serve our community. The men and women in blue courageously put on the badge each day and step into the fray in order to keep us safe. Like you, I have personal friends who serve in law enforcement, the military, or some other public service.  It is interesting to consider the casual nature of our discussions as friends counterbalanced with the intensity of their work when they wear the badge or the uniform. This common scenario begs an important question. What is it that gives a friend a level of authority that demands our respect and submission?

Granted, there is a difference between the authority of a person or a position. For the sake of this discussion, let’s focus on the position of authority given to an individual who wears a badge. The authority of the government and the law of the land demands respect and submission. When we consider this reality and compare it to more urgent matters of faith, we must reconcile a similar question. What is it that demands respect and authority in our hearts? 

Jesus enters the stage, begins His ministry in Mark 1:21-28, and amazes people with His authority demonstrated in His teaching and His power over a demonic spirit. He exhibits power and authority not based on what someone else has said but in Himself. This differentiator catches the audience by surprise. What about you?

Jesus, who spoke the world into existence, rose from the dead, and interacts with you daily, demonstrates authority over creation and spiritual darkness. Are we amazed? I hope so. I pray the amazement creates questions in our minds that push us to discover truth that can only be found in who He is and what He promises.