We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Bruce Sampson.
Bible Reading:
“For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.”
Colossians 2:9-10
Word:
We all know that there is power in authority. When someone has authority we know that whatever they say or do matters greatly. A total stranger can knock on my door in the middle of night and ask me to let them in and I can turn them away without any question. That same person can knock on my door in the middle of the night with a police badge and an official warrant and it becomes a different situation.
While there’s power in authority, most of us believe power comes when we are in the place of authority and no one else at the top. Once you get to the top of authority who’s left to tell you what’s right or wrong? The belief is that if we have full authority then we have full control. Biblical principles teach us differently that the more authority and power we have, the more we must learn to humble ourselves.
The book of Colossians tells us that Jesus has more power and authority than anyone else. It says that all things were created through him and for him and that he is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Col. 1:16). Even with all of that power, Jesus submitted himself to the boundaries of living in human flesh.
It says, “For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ.” (Colossians 2:9; emphasis added)
When we look to Jesus as the authority over our lives, what was made possible through his submission, is now true for us. In him we can have a heart that can fully know and love God. In him we can put our past to rest and begin to walk in a new life because in Him no one’s past is unforgivable. Jesus experienced all of our life in the flesh so that we could live free from all of the things that robbed us of life by walking in his Spirit. In Jesus, the only place of power is submitted under his authority and leadership over our lives.
Prayer:
Skillwork:
Submitting under authority is a sign of our maturity in Christ and a safeguard for us when we are lead astray.
Contact someone you are submitted to (it could be a parent, coach, pastor, or friend) and express to them the gratitude you have for their authority in your life.
If you struggle with submitting to authority, reflect on the humility of Jesus to die on the same cross that he create so that we could be saved.
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