Operating in Authority

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

Jesus declared that He was given all authority, and then He immediately delegated it: “Go ye therefore.” Jesus has given you and me the authority to use His power on earth. The word ‘power’ here means authority. Jesus was saying that He had full legal rights in heaven and on earth. God's plan was for you to have the same thing that the Lord Jesus had. Because we walk in that authority, we are commissioned.

The Great Commission is not a suggestion; it is an assignment backed by authority. You have an assignment. Unused authority is wasted authority. Our problem is that we keep praying to God, "Why don't you move?" and He is asking, "Why don't you move?” Jesus did not tell believers to wait for power; He told them to go with authority.

Teaching them to observe means teaching them how to guard what they have received. You need to protect the fact that you have been empowered to do what God commands.

You are not powerless; you are authorized. When you speak in Jesus’ name, you are speaking with His delegated authority.

Practical Application

This week, as you pray, take a moment to remind yourself that you are not asking God for authority. He has already granted it to you. Speak to your situations with faith-filled confidence, knowing that Jesus's authority supports your words.

Colossians 1:28; Philippians 2:9