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LENT REFLECTION (DAY 3)

Controversy and authority is the theme for our reflection. Controversy is prolonged public disagreement or heated discussion.  Authority on the other hand refers to a person in command and has the power to influence or command thought opinion, or behaviour. Jesus is viewed from two perspectives. Firstly, He is viewed by His own people as a commoner who has grown to gain knowledge of the law and nothing else, hence the controversy surrounding His identity as the anointed Messiah. Secondly, He is viewed by others as one who has authority in His Word and the power to overcome unclean spirits.

There was controversy about the identity of Christ because the people failed to connect with the teaching of Christ. They failed to humble themselves to accept the fact that God can anoint and use anyone regardless of their background to accomplish His mission in the world.  It is important to note that Jesus was only opening their eyes to appreciate the fact that He is the fulfilment of prophecy but for their pride and ignorance of the plans and purpose of God they missed the opportunity to encounter the glory of God through Christ. This same attitude or behaviour made it impossible for Elijah to perform miracles among their forefathers but did the same in the lives of two gentiles, the widow of Zarephath and Naaman of Syria respectively (Luke 4:25-27). Certainly, Jesus remarked that “no prophet is accepted in his hometown” (Luke 4:24) due to their controversy and lack of faith in God for what He can do in the lives of those they are acquainted or familiar with.  Dear friend,  familiarity syndrome, Ignorance and pride among others are the reasons for which some people in the Church have not yet had a personal and transformative encounter with Jesus. No matter how educated or academically enlightened we are, we must pray for divine wisdom to appreciate God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ.  Some people who ought to be faithful believers have reduced the Bible to mere historical and academic literature and a sourcebook for theological debates without reflecting on God’s love and interventions in the affairs of sinful humanity and the will of God through Christ for humanity. 

Beloved in the Lord, until we approach Jesus with humility and repentance we will not experience His authority over our lives nor shall we be revived by the power of His Word. When Jesus demonstrated His authority over the demon or impure spirit, the people of Galilee “…were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power, he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” Luke 4:36).  Lent season offers us an opportunity to humble ourselves before God, surrender to the authority of Jesus and be empowered through His Word to live a life worthy of our calling. Shalom

PRAYER

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12) Holy Spirit, cure us of pride and ignorance and empower us to humble ourselves under the Lordship of our Saviour and Master Jesus Christ. Amen

Jean-Paul Agidi (Rev)

Ewe Version (Audio)