Spiritual Authority (2)

Yesterday we explored a brief backdrop of the creation story and considered God’s original design for humanity to have dominion. We saw how we lost dominion and then God sent Jesus to redeem our relationship with him, and to restore our authority. Paul said in Ephesians 1, that his prayer for the church, is that our hearts and eyes would be opened. He wanted us to come into the full and complete understanding, of the riches of Christ’s glorious inheritance (gift) to the church. That we would understand the great power that is within us when we believe in him. This great might and power was present in Jesus Christ, raised him from the dead and placed him at the right hand of God, in heavenly places.

Jesus is seated far above all rule, all authority, all power and all dominion and above every name that has been named or will ever be named. “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church” (Ephesians 1:22). As Christ is the head of the church, we represent his body and are also seated with him. The same Holy Spirit, resurrection power who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. It was important for Jesus to be resurrected and to show himself to his disciples. His appearance was to impart power to the church and to proclaim the forgiveness of sins to all nations (Luke 24:46-47). “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

Long before Jesus’s resurrection, he demonstrated authority to his disciples and followers. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cleansed the leper, restored sight to the blind, the mute were able to speak and those who were demon possessed were set free. As he demonstrated authority and showed his disciples the way, he later sent them out to use the power in his name. Seventy were sent out and when they returned, marvelled that even the demons were subject to them by the name of Jesus. “And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you”” (Luke 10:18-19). Jesus’s mention of satan falling like lightning was in relation to Isaiah 14:12. “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!”

Satan’s fall was before the fall of Adam and Eve, when he tricked them into eating from the forbidden tree. He had purposed in his heart that he would ascend into heaven and raise his throne above the stars of God. Somehow he was delusional enough to think that mankind’s fall would gain him dominion and power over God. It is no coincidence that Jesus mentioned satan’s fall, as his disciples were demonstrating power and authority. Their trampling of serpents, scorpions and every power of the enemy represented greater downfall for satan. Jesus then rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and thanked the Lord that things that were once hidden were now being revealed. His rejoicing was that the eyes of our understanding was now open, where satan once kept us in darkness. He rejoiced that his disciples were walking in authority.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

A.P.-Y.