“They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee” (Mark 1:27).
Is this new teaching? No! Jesus came and fulfilled the law. He’s the only One who has. He did not come to do away with the law, but to fulfil it. The Incarnate One, through whom all things were made, has come to give us opportunity to learn to obey the One who made us. Ultimately, we all will in death. As we turn to Him, He calls us, in our resurrection, to join with Him in eternity in a new obedience.
Lord, all power and authority belong to You. Nothing exists apart from You. In this age of rebellion, we can pretend that we have either power or authority, but we do not have either in ourselves. You speak, and some rebellious ones hear, and they grudgingly obey. They may hate You, but they obey. You give us the opportunity to learn that obedience is better than sacrifice.
Lord Jesus, that day will come when all stand before You. That will not be the time to realize that You do have all authority. Help me to understand this here and now. Guide me to realize that I am under Your authority here and now. Change my heart, removing all hatred, so that I willingly, lovingly, and humbly come into Your presence and walk with You as You walk with me. Guide me into holiness, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
