Are You Exercising Your Authority?

Monday 11th January 2021. Read Hebrews 2:5-12, Psalm 8, and Mark 1:21-28

“What is this? A new teaching! With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” (Mark 1:27) 

Many Christians today are either unaware of the power they possess over demons or do not know how to exercise this power. Our first reading today gives us a little clue of the amount of power we possess. It says: “What is man that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man, that thou carest for him? Thou didst make him for a little while lower than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honour, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” (Hebrews 2:6-8). 

As the above passage puts it, we are “a little lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honour, with everything in subjection under our feet.” In John 4:4 we read: “Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

The question is: “Are you exercising your authority?” Do not let anyone deceive you into thinking that unless he or she prays for you, nothing would work for you. Don’t be deceived. You too have authority.

In our Gospel passage, Mark explained how Jesus exercised his authority. First, in his preaching. Jesus taught with boldness and confidence. He was never afraid of saying the truth.

Secondly, Jesus exercised his authority by commanding evil spirits. Jesus did not display a single iota of fear because He knew who He was and the power he possessed. Yes, demons exist, but we are victorious in Christ. There is nowhere God ever told us to be afraid of evil spirits. If you must fear at all, fear God, for this is the beginning of wisdom.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, free me from fear and instil in me the wisdom and courage to exercise the authority you have already bestowed in me. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hebrews 2:5-12, Psalm 8, and Mark 1:21-28).