Power and Authority

Scripture

Mark 12:12

The demons begged Jesus, “send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them”. He gave them permission, and the evil spirit came out and went into the pigs.

Observation

The demons recognized Jesus from a distance. They knew who he was and the power and authority he had. The demons were great in number; when asked they relied “My name is Legion,” for we are many. These many demons then began to beg Jesus not to send them out far, not to condemn them eternally. Jesus has all power and all authority the demons had to obey, they didn’t have a choice and so they were begging to stay on this earth and not be sent else where. Once Jesus told them where they could go they went- they needed His permission. The words that he spoke, not anything else, just the words had the power.

Application

Jesus was born human; he was a man living on this earth, with the Holy Spirit living in him. We are humans living on this earth with the Holy Spirit living in us. Do l exercise the power and authority l have through what Jesus has done – through his blood, his death and his resurrection. Or do l allow things to overwhelm me? Being anxious over things that may or may not happen? Do l allow frustration to drive me? Or do l listen and obey the leading of the Holy Spirit? It is he that gives me the words to say and through Jesus l already have the power and authority to overcome what ever life throws at me. The demons know that we have that power and authority and they also know that we tend not to use it as we should. To use it as much as we can and should. We have it, lets us it. All we need is speak and we do a lot of that when we shouldn’t. We can and should be speaking words that bring life and words that help change eternity, with the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for your word. That is shows us things we need to be reminded of things we need to be doing and even how to do them. Lord help me to obey you and use the power and authority you have given me to use. May l use it to further your kingdom and give you all glory and honour. In Jesus name Amen.

Candice Pleiter