few things in life demand our attention like someone with true authority. our government leaders live ‘somewhere else’ they are talking heads to us, and little more. and while the office they hold is important, and needs to be respected, it’s difficult to really get a grip on their direct influence on us. we are more likely to fear/respect our local police than the governor of our state, or maybe even the president.

those distant rulers are operating in an out of sight, out of mind capacity for a lot of people. they only see them during the election cycle, and they don’t take any concern for them in between, because they just trust them to do the job they were given. and while that sounds rather naive, i’m sure a lot of people do operate that way. authority stems from the people with whom they are personally in contact.

and i’m glad that barak obama doesn’t have to come to my house if i make a midnight call to the police because someone is sneaking around my back yard. that would be utterly ridiculous, funny, but ridiculous. he has bigger fish to fry than prowler hunting in sw louisville. so each area of government has their areas of authority, and rightfully so…

but when Jesus speaks, He speaks with all authority. so whether He says, ‘go into town and untie a colt.’ or ‘stand up, take you mat and go.’ or ‘lazarus, come forth.’ He only needs to say it once. He exercises raw authority, and needs no middle men.

when Jesus took on our skin, he gave up his omnipresence. when He took on our skin, He maintained aspects of His omniscience, and omnipotence. He was still the Living Word of God, and none could contend with Him when He spoke.

He gave up His place in heaven, for a short time, in order to walk our roads, and feel our sorrows and joys. But He did not give up His authority. “All authority on heaven and earth” had been given to Him, and so we do as He says without question. So when the paralytic is told to stand up and walk, he does so. when a dead man is encountered by His voice, he wakes up. when a fig tree is told to wither, it does and quickly…

when we experience the authority of Jesus in our life, directly, not at a distance like a governor or president, we are confronted with true authority…authority that cannot be questioned or second guessed. our recognition of His authority is not what gives Him His authority, either. how arrogant and presumptive that would be…when Jesus speaks in our live, there is no speculation. it is a finalizing event. God’s authority extends to whenever and where ever He is, and that everywhere/every when.

either men will recognize the authority of Christ now, while they draw breath, or they will do it at the end of all things (as we know it now.)

Father, forgive my arrogance. forgive me for presuming i ever have any authority of my own. forgive me for seeking my own guidance, rather than Yours. when You speak, my desire is to listen and do. and when You tell me to move, my desire is to go. please give me strength and wisdom to act accordingly.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Spirit, have mercy.

amen.