Who puts the Author in Authority?

Authority is a word that gets tossed around a lot these days. The government has the authority to make changes to the law. Police officers have the authority to enforce the law. Teachers have authority in their classrooms. Parents have authority in their homes. Children can’t wait to grow up and have authority over someone or something. Authoritative voices speak harsh words that are taken out of context. Authoritative actions can be misinterpreted as derogatory or insensitive. Who is the ‘author’ of this kind of authority? Jesus has been teaching in the temple for most of his ministry. On one occasion, Jesus casts out an unclean spirit from a man. The authority in this case comes from God. This new way of authority was puzzling to those in the time of Jesus. The people in the temple were astonished by the authority Jesus had to heal this man. How can we use this Gospel message today? Jesus took action when it was needed. He didn’t overreact in this situation nor did he brag about it. How do we handle ourselves when placed in positions of authority? Do we use our position to heal, build up or serve others? Or do we find ourselves creating brokenness, tearing down relationships or only serving ourselves? Jesus expresses His authority in service to others. By serving others, we serve God. Unlike some authoritative positions, Jesus does not punish us when we do wrong- but lifts us up when we are discouraged or disheartened. God blankets us with forgiveness and light when our lives turn cold and dark. He fills the emptiness in our hearts with love far greater than we can understand in our humanness. While God offers, we must still freely accept His authority as our own. Does Jesus rule your heart?