Dear Pastor,
Do you remember when you were ordained? Or perhaps you haven’t been ordained yet but you have been present at an ordination service and heard the charge given from the denominational leader to the ordinands. The words “Take thou authority” are sacred words full of the calling of God, a mantle of responsibility and a covering of promise, protection, and power. The authority which is being referred to is the very power of God that you and I have been authorized to walk in as children of the King and as undershepherds of Jesus the great and good shepherd.
The authority we are to take up is the authorization from God to speak out His light and truth and to push back the darkness. The authority we have is over powers and principalities, temptations and fears and everything that would come against the name of the Lord our God. Authority can only be utilized according to the one calling the shots. That means that the authority we have from God must be lived out according to His grace and mercy, His humility and gentleness and His holiness and love. The authority we have is only to build up the body of Christ and not to tear down God’s beloved. The authority we have is to call out sin and darkness seeping into God’s church but always with an eye to the redemption of people and the glory of God.
Please, this week take the authority God has given you. Know that this authority is activated on our knees, by His Word and by agreement with His Spirit. God’s power and authority work through us as we know and stand on His Word, not our own feelings, thoughts or desires. His power and authority are activated as we lay down our life for Him and for our fellow man. Please be encouraged to know that all that you need surely is now available to you by the Spirit of God who abides in you and please let the nearness of His power strengthen you in your inner being.
Christ is with us, Christ is in us!
Mike Johnson
Pastor Encouragement 