Before Authority

Read: Matthew 8:5-13

Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, “Go,” and they go, or “Come,” and they come. Matthew 8:8-9

IN WORD

He could have said, “Like you, I’m a man of authority” and left it at that. But this Gentile commander who approached Jesus found a connection with the Son of God first and foremost as a man “under authority.” He understood structures of governance. He knew that his right to issue commands came not because someone had endowed him with power but because he had learned to submit to the authorities above him. He had proven to be responsible. He could issue orders because he had been faithful in carrying his orders out.

This is a subtle paradox of the Kingdom, yet a powerful one. We rejoice when Jesus promises His followers the keys of the Kingdom and answers to prayer, but we need to understand that our experience of those realities directly relates not to our ability to lord it over others but our willingness to submit to a higher lordship. That’s why many Christians flounder in frustration at the impotence of their alleged Kingdom authority. It makes no sense to declare the will of the King if we’ve been careless about following it. If we want to live in this authority, we have to accept every aspect of it.

IN DEED

Recognize the power of the Kingdom paradoxes. They are keys to getting where we want to go. Never mind that they defy our reason; they work. If we want to wield the authority of the Kingdom, as we’ve been promised, we must take great care to submit to the authority of the Kingdom in our own lives. That means embracing its values, doing its works, seeking its fruitfulness, and above all, paying attention to the heart of the King. When He expresses a desire, we need to become preoccupied with it. His will becomes ours because our hearts are connected. Then the truths of the Kingdom can come out of our mouths with power. Our prayers and commands have effect. Living under authority puts us in position to exercise it.

ADDITIONAL READING: Matthew 18:18

Prayer is the secret of power.

EVAN ROBERTS