To Speak With Authority

Scripture – Luke 4:31-35: 31Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people. 32They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority. 33In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, 34“Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 35“Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.

Reflection: Have you ever heard someone speak with authority? I’m talking about an inner authority – a sense that this person really knows what she or he is talking about.

I hear it usually in older Christians – people who have lived through a few storms. Throughout life they have learned that Christ does provide the firm footing that’s needed to sometimes simply stand firm. That simple, grounded faith is part of who they are.

When I was younger I used many of the same words I use today. “Jesus is Lord!” “He will provide.” “All we need is faith.” Over the years I’ve learned something about the truth of those words. As a younger person I sort of hoped they were true. Today I know they are.

With what authority do you speak? When you speak God’s word, how much of it comes from within? It takes a while for it to move from the outside in. But it will move. The more I practice trusting Christ, the more naturally it comes.

An Invitation: A small group will be meeting this coming Sunday morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.