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Enjoy Life, Enjoy God


Dale Patterson

AUTHORITY

June 28, 2011

Power= the ability, the force to execute a plan. Authority = who or what gave you the proper permission to act as you are doing; ergo, "who says so?"

"And who gave you authority to do this?
Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John's baptism--was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!"
                                            
 -- Mark 11:28-30 TNIV

When John the Baptist and Jesus show up on the scene, many of the people go to them, though they have no credentials, no recognized authority to do and act as religious leaders, priests, etc. So "The Authorities" ask about their authority. Jesus turns the tables with a question of his own: if they answer, "from God," then Jesus said, "Fine, why don't you believe?" or if from humans, The Authorities knew due to J & J's popularity, they would anger the masses. So Jesus silences his critics with a question.

But the matter of authority remains. While 2000 years have passed Jesus still has the authority. In your life today, how is it evident that you live under his authority? He is Lord, right?

Joyfully,

Dale Patterson