12/13/21 Praying With JESUS: 40 Days Toward Church Revitalization — Day 14

Mark 1:21-28 (ESV)
21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching.
22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.
23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,
24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”
25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”
26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him.
27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”
28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.

After His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus declared His authority over everything! Matthew 28:18-20 records His words to this effect. What is the extent of His authority to which He refers in Matthew 28:18? “_______ authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

ALL AUTHORITY… Throughout His life, and particularly during His ministry, Jesus demonstrated His authority, until, through His death, burial, and resurrection, He unquestionably held ALL authority: Authority over creation (John 1:3; Col. 1:17); Authority over all tangible and intangible resources (Phil 4:19) ; Authority over disease and physical handicap (Mark 6:53-56; 7:31-37; 8:22-25; 10:46-52) ; Authority over the spirits (Mark 5:1-13) ; Authority over religion (Mark 11:15-18) ; Authority over man’s plans (Matthew 16:21-23) ; and Authority over sin, the grave, and death (1 Corinthians 15:50-58; Revelation 1:17-18).

PRAY… Jesus, You have demonstrated that You stand alone in creation and human history as the One with ALL authority. I bow in total submission to Your authority. You are our Sovereign God, Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, and victorious Savior vanquishing sin, the grave, and death! I praise You and worship You above all other things, for You alone are worthy to receive glory, honor and praise. Please exercise Your great, majestic authority over our church and bring REVITALIZATION to our fellowship, our effectiveness, our missional life, and our ministries, all for the glory of Your Name! Amen!!