Greater Power | Day 14
Podcast Intro [00:00:00]:
Are you experiencing greater things in this season? We want to hear about it. Share your story at transformation at soulcitychurch.com.
Host [00:00:11]:
Welcome to the Greater Things Daily Devotional, where we're asking the question, God, what is the greater thing you want to do in me and through me? Wherever you are, quiet your soul and pray this ancient prayer after me. Come, Holy Spirit. This week, we're meditating on greater power and what that could look like in our lives. Today's devotional is out of Luke 10, 1920. It says, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. The 2020 global pandemic changed our lives.
Host [00:01:23]:
For example, now it's common to meet with a doctor and get a prescription sent to a pharmacy, all from home. Believe it or not, the pandemic has also normalized company signing bonuses. From 2020 to today, the offerings of signing bonuses has just about tripled according to findings by indeed.com. Signing bonuses are a beautiful thing because unlike other work bonuses such as end of year bonuses or a sales commission bonus, a signing bonus isn't connected to your performance. It's a bonus you receive simply by saying yes to the company's offer. Similarly, your faith in Jesus comes with bonuses that you did nothing to deserve, and it's not based on any of your works. For instance, in Luke 10:19 Jesus tells his disciples, I have given you authority. Authority to do what, you may ask? To trample on snakes, scorpions, and to overcome all the power of the enemy.
Host [00:02:44]:
Snakes and scorpions are pictures of the evil spiritual powers that are behind the bad things that happen in the world under the command of the enemy or Satan. We can think of this authority and power as a bonus to us saying yes to following Jesus. Interestingly enough, in Luke 10 verse 1, Jesus appoints 72 disciples to share the news about the transformation available through him to heal the sick and to drive out evil spirits that oppress people. Jesus gives normal people this radical assignment of doing what he did. He gave them authority to overcome all the evil spiritual powers that they may encounter on their journey. This meant that through their faith in him, they could cause the darkness around them to leave. This was unheard of stuff. When they returned from this assignment, the disciples eagerly shared about all the exciting things that they saw and did.
Host [00:03:52]:
Jesus quickly affirmed them and said these kinds of experiences are possible because he gave them spiritual authority and power. But then he reminds them that the core benefit they possess that should really be celebrated is the security they have in their restored relationship with God. See, our relationship with Jesus is filled with innumerable blessings and benefits, the depths of spiritual riches that we have in him will require an eternity to explore. Similar to what he told his disciples, Jesus desires for us to anchor our deepest gratitude in the truth that we're loved by God and live in intimate relationship with Him. Yet at the same time, one of the spiritual bonuses that we have in our relationship with Jesus is the authority and power that He has given us through his Holy Spirit and in his unique divine name. That bonus shouldn't be ignored. There is no name like the name of Jesus, and there is no spiritual power greater than the power of the holy spirit. So the question is, when your day takes an unexpected turn for the worse or you find yourself overwhelmed by the metaphorical darkness, fear, or anxiety, will you access the spiritual authority, power you have in Jesus? In Jesus we don't have to settle, but we have access to greater things.
Host [00:05:31]:
What if you prayed in Jesus's name that your circumstances turned around? Similar to Jesus's first what if you prayed for healing for yourself or your loved ones who need it? What if you prayed with expectation for breakthrough in a specific negative habit in your life or someone else's? What would it look like to approach your problems with power, with authority in Jesus? Imagine what may shift. Perhaps the circumstances change, or maybe the Holy Spirit begins to empower and transform you within them. Be encouraged. You have the authority in Jesus to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy, and, ultimately, nothing will harm you in the end. Now I invite you to repeat this prayer after me. Jesus, in Luke 10/19, you said, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. I thank you for the authority and power that I have access to through you.
Host [00:07:00]:
You love me so much that not only do I have eternal security in my relationship with you, but you've provided the bonus of your authority and power in this life. I say sorry for the moments when I neglect to step in to the authority and power you've given me. I say sorry when I accept the lie of being powerless rather than trusting in your power working in and through my life. I ask that I would experience the provision of your presence, authority, and power. Help me to know and be aware of the moments when I can stand in your authority and power in my life. Help me to go throughout this day more aware of your love for me and how you are leading me. In Jesus's name, amen.
