WE HAVE AUTHORITY – Pastor Chris
Thursday, April 29, 2021
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness (Luke 22:53).
We’re in a time when there’s so much abuse of political power in many parts of the world. There’re some hostile laws, policies and actions in some states designed to be inimical to Christians because of their faith. If you’d read the story of Jesus’ arrest, before His crucifixion, you’ll see that these kinds of injustices aren’t new. Jesus experienced the abuse of power in high places.
John 18 recounts how Judas led the soldiers and officers sent by the high priests and Pharisees to arrest Jesus. Knowing all that was about to befall Him, the Lord went out to them and said, “Whom do you seek?” and they answered, “Jesus of Nazareth!” Then, Jesus said, “I am He.”
Immediately Jesus spoke and identified Himself, the soldiers and temple police were knocked out by the power of God and fell to the ground. Luke 22:52-53 NKJV tells us, “Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
Notice the statement, “this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Jesus understood that the power of darkness was at work, and that these men that came to arrest Him were not motivated by themselves, but by Satan. Jesus faced six trials within a few hours and none of them could convict Him.
The high priest had to frame something against Him out of anger, saying of Jesus, “…He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? Behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy” (Matthew 26:65). A few hours later, He was crucified on the Cross. Thanks be unto God! He offered Himself of His own free will (John 10:17-18). The quick trials, unreasonable laws, the lies and unchecked manipulations today aren’t new. Hence we must get on our knees to pray fervidly in the spirit, declaring that our cities are dominated by the light of the Gospel, and impacted by the force of righteousness. We have authority, and Jesus is Lord over all. Stand up for Him and His Church everywhere!
*CONFESSION* I refuse to be intimidated by decrees or laws that are anti-Christian or against the preaching of the Gospel; rather, I’m stirred within to pray that the wicked acts, schemes, policies and stratagems of Satan to frustrate God’s people and the preaching of the Gospel around the world be brought to naught, in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have [free] course, and be glorified, even as [it is] with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all [men] have not faith.
Proverbs 16:12 AMPC. It is an abomination [to God and men] for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established and made secure by righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 23:26-49 & 2 Samuel 4-6
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 6:14-29 & Numbers 2
