Who's Authority?

02Sep
He went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent, and come out of him!’ When the demon had thrown him down before them, he came out of him without having done him any harm. They were all amazed and kept saying to one another, ‘What kind of utterance is this? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and out they come!’ And a report about him began to reach every place in the region.
-Luke 4:31-37



For a moment, I would like you to think of authority figures in your life. Perhaps it was your mother or father. Perhaps it was a religious figure such as a priest or minister. Perhaps a mentor or someone who had great influence as you were growing up. In today’s gospel reading, those observing and listening to Jesus are a bit taken aback by the authority from which he speaks, and the authority of his actions. To be more exact, they were “astounded by this teaching, because he spoke with authority.” This gospel gives us pause as we contemplate what the teaching of Jesus was, and how he intended it to impact our lives. As Christians on a spiritual journey, Jesus is the ultimate authority figure but we often find ourselves giving in and listening to other authorities. I invite you to contemplate a few of Jesus’ teachings as your day unfolds in front of you. May the Holy Spirit give each of us a mind and heart that is astounded and amazed by what our Lord is asking us to do. 


Love God with your heart, soul and mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Forgive not seven times, but seventy seven times. Do not judge. The last shall be first, and the first shall be last. Love as I have loved you. 


Musical Reflection - In Christ Alone - Steph McLeod


Gracious God, help me to begin my day grounded in the authority of your love and forgiveness. Amen.

Authority

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