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SCRIPTURE READING

1. 2 KINGS 5:1-14
2. GALATIANS 6:1-6
3. LUKE 10:16-20

SUNDAY REFLECTION

The president and all other government appointees of a democratic country or nation have authority while in office. Their authority is derived from the Constitution of the country. Similarly, as mere mortals who have been saved by grace and empowered through faith in Jesus Christ, we also derive authority in Jesus’ name to live a victorious life. For this reason, we shall focus on the theme “Authority in Jesus’ name”. According to today’s Scripture readings, we shall discover that:

1. We have authority in Jesus’ name to heal the sick.
2. We have authority in Jesus’ name to restore sinners.
3. We have authority in Jesus’ name to defeat demons or unclean spirits.

Firstly, we have authority in Jesus’ name to heal the sick. In our first Scripture reading (2 Kings 5:1-14), Elisha was a prophet and a mere mortal but God gave authority to Elisha to instruct Namaan, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean…So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” (2 Kings 5:10,14). If Elisha had his authority to heal from God then we who have also been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ have the same authority to heal the sick in Jesus’ name because He has assured us in Matthew 28: 18 that “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Naaman was a pagan who was directed to Prophet Elisha for his healing but we are unique and different from Naaman because we are the sons and daughters of the Living God therefore all we need to overcome sickness is faith in Christ Jesus. When you have faith, you have authority in Jesus’ name to overcome sickness. Dear friend, Peter was given authority in Jesus’s name to heal the lame beggar at the entrance of the temple, “Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. ” (Acts 3:6-8). It is important to always remember that we have no authority of our own, the authority to heal comes from Jesus therefore let us humble ourselves and give glory to God when the Lord grants us the authority in Jesus’ name to heal people.

Secondly, we have authority in Jesus’ name to restore sinners so they will be reconciled to the Lord and be saved. For this reason, Paul admonishes us in the second Scripture reading (Galatians 6:1-6) that “Brothers and sisters if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2). This is the purpose of the great commission when Jesus said “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20). Beloved in the Lord, we have the authority in Jesus’s name to spread the Gospel or the Good News so that our brothers and sisters who are still beyond the walls of salvation will be redeemed through the cleansing blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. We are instruments of transformation given authority in Jesus’ name to become fishers of men and women for God. The question is, has the church and Christians of our time been good stewards of the authority given them in Jesus’ name to win souls? Evangelism must be the priority of every Church and all believers if we are to fully utilize our authority in Jesus’ name to rescue those who are spiritually and morally perishing in sin.

Thirdly, we have authority in Jesus’ name to overcome demons or unclean spirits. The third Scripture reading (Luke 10:16-20) clearly shows us that without authority from Jesus we cannot overcome demons. “The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the enemy’s power, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20). Paul confirms the fact that we are in a battle with spiritual forces and further admonishes us that “… we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:12-13). Beloved in the Lord, as people who have been saved and given authority through our Lord Jesus Christ, we are not to fear any unclean spirit in the form of demons and witches because through the power of the Holy Spirit we have authority in Jesus’ name over them! We must pray without ceasing and remain empowered to have authority in Jesus’ name over demons during spiritual battles. Without faith and prayer, we shall be defeated.

In summary my dear friend in the Lord, we have authority in Jesus’ name to heal the sick, restore and reconcile sinners to God and last but not least, overcome demons or unclean spirits. May the Holy Spirit continue to enable us to maintain our authority in Jesus’ name to live victorious lives to the glory of God. Amen.