The interrogation from the “Israeli Airlines” attendant was not unexpected. I had been warned that they had the strictest screening policy in the airline business (even before 9/11).
After taking me aside, asking a bunch of questions and leaving me standing all alone in the middle of “Pearson International Airport”, there was no question who was in charge in this situation. If I wanted to go anywhere, I needed to recognize this man’s authority, answer his questions and do whatever he asked me to do. Fifteen minutes later, he came back, gave me my passport and wished me a good trip.
Authority is not to be fooled with.
“By what authority are you doing these things… who gave you this authority” (Luke 20:2). Over the course of his earthly ministry, Jesus heard those questions many times.
Jesus’ reply is summed up in these words, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).
The “Authority of Christ” is not just a subject for theological discussion. In fact, Christ’s authority has some very real and practical applications.
If Jesus really “in charge”, then that means that everything that I do should be filtered through my relationship with him. Christ’s authority should effect how I spend my time, how I spend my money, where I go, what I do and even how I think. Everything I do is important because everything is a reflection of my relationship with him.
However, there is more to it than that. Christ’s authority is also the thing that allows me to share in his blessings. You see, even at my best I am not good enough, smart enough and right enough to be acceptable before a Holy God. The only hope I have is that heaven is opened, not based on my goodness, but on Christ’s. It is on his authority that I am admitted and that is the good news of the gospel message.
Back to my Israeli airlines story for a minute: I could have refused to answer their questions, but that would have been a huge mistake. In that situation, refusing to acknowledge that man’s authority would have only hurt me.
Similarly, we can refuse to acknowledge Christ’s authority. We can live as though we are in charge, but that will not be good for us.
Who has the authority in your life?
The answer to that question is worth some thought, because, I believe, it will make all the difference (both now and in eternity).
After taking me aside, asking a bunch of questions and leaving me standing all alone in the middle of “Pearson International Airport”, there was no question who was in charge in this situation. If I wanted to go anywhere, I needed to recognize this man’s authority, answer his questions and do whatever he asked me to do. Fifteen minutes later, he came back, gave me my passport and wished me a good trip.
Authority is not to be fooled with.
“By what authority are you doing these things… who gave you this authority” (Luke 20:2). Over the course of his earthly ministry, Jesus heard those questions many times.
Jesus’ reply is summed up in these words, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).
The “Authority of Christ” is not just a subject for theological discussion. In fact, Christ’s authority has some very real and practical applications.
If Jesus really “in charge”, then that means that everything that I do should be filtered through my relationship with him. Christ’s authority should effect how I spend my time, how I spend my money, where I go, what I do and even how I think. Everything I do is important because everything is a reflection of my relationship with him.
However, there is more to it than that. Christ’s authority is also the thing that allows me to share in his blessings. You see, even at my best I am not good enough, smart enough and right enough to be acceptable before a Holy God. The only hope I have is that heaven is opened, not based on my goodness, but on Christ’s. It is on his authority that I am admitted and that is the good news of the gospel message.
Back to my Israeli airlines story for a minute: I could have refused to answer their questions, but that would have been a huge mistake. In that situation, refusing to acknowledge that man’s authority would have only hurt me.
Similarly, we can refuse to acknowledge Christ’s authority. We can live as though we are in charge, but that will not be good for us.
Who has the authority in your life?
The answer to that question is worth some thought, because, I believe, it will make all the difference (both now and in eternity).
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