Remember in the devotion yesterday, how Jesus cleaned out the temple? And the teachers of the law were not too happy about the wonderful healing that He did? The next day, while He was teaching at the temple, He was confronted by those rulers about His actions.
Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority? Matthew 21:23 NIV
Is it just me or do you think they were purposely trying to accuse Him of something? In my mind, they probably had a meeting of some sort before deciding what questions to ask Him. I think they wanted to trap and attack Him verbally. Why do I think that? Because they asked in a way that suggests He had NO authority. Plus, a few verses later, after Jesus asked them a question about John’s baptism they had to conference together before answering.
Jesus asked them…”John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” Matthew 21: 25-26 NIV
So you know what they answered? They said, “We don’t know.” (verse 27) They figured together that they did not want to answer that either John or heaven was responsible for the baptism. Therefore, Jesus did not answer their question about whose authority He was acting under.
What this means for us:
It matters, who we follow or whose authority we acknowledge and allow in our lives. We follow the doctor’s authority, the mechanic’s and the plumber’s, for the most part. Our spiritual authority, though, is God. Our pastors’ spiritual authority is God. Jesus’ authority was God too! It is important to note that God gave Jesus the authority to do what He was doing. He approved of it. He approved of Jesus doing things in His name.
This made me think, so here’s a few questions for you and me… What do I do under God’s authorization? What do I do that He has approved me to do? What do I do in His name, representing Him? Also…do I do things without His authorization sometimes? (I think so. Sometimes I rush ahead and do what I want and then when I hit a brick wall, I ask for help.) Am I a good worker for Him?
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. Timothy 2: 15-16 NIV
Wow, part of being a good worker is watching our words; what a good reminder. All we do should be subject to God’s approval. Aren’t you thankful for the Holy Spirit that whispers to us and urges us in right directions? I am. Because I cannot do it on my own. None of us can. It is a lie of the enemy that we can.
Here is to remembering to live a life authorized by God, while thanking Him for the opportunity to be His worker!
Have a great day! With love from the Father to you,
Christina
Glory in the Morning 