DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- DELEGATED AUTHORITY

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – DELEGATED AUTHORITY

"And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease." (Matthew 10:1)

Jesus was one person who could only be in one place at a time. There was much work to be done. So Jesus multiplied His ministry by giving His disciples authority to do the things that He did. Another time, Jesus appointed 70 of his followers to go in teams of two on evangelistic crusades (Luke 10:1). He sent them out, but not in their own strength or power, but His.

This is a lesson to be learned. Whatever we do, it is only in His strength and power. The temptation is for individuals and Churches to do ministry in their own abilities. But lasting, effective ministry is done in the power of the Spirit.

Jesus has delegated us, His disciples, to multiply His ministry here on earth. His last words before He returned to heaven were: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20). He has placed on us the mantel of His ministry to accomplish His plan of evangelism. He has the authority to delegate that ministry to His followers. And He is with us.

I wonder if this is what the Apostle Paul was considering when he wrote, "I now rejoice in my suffering for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God" (Colossians 1:24-25). There was nothing that Paul could add to Christ's sufferings. But to him was given – delegated – a stewardship or responsibility to fulfill God's plan and purpose.

All believers have received this delegation of authority to fulfill God's will. We do it, not in our own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus said, "You shall power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me...." (Acts 1-8). We are ambassadors that have been given authority to speak on Christ's behalf (II Corinthians 5:20). What a calling!!

Love, Dad