Based on the bulky size of the key ring that holds my car and house keys, losing it shouldn’t be an issue. But it seems that I’m always searching for my keys, and they’re hardest to find when I need them most. One time I lost a set of keys after wrapping up gift baskets we had made for a youth fundraiser. I imagined someone opening her gift, only to wonder how to claim the house and car that came with her basket!
In John 14:12, Jesus tells us, “Anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.” This teaching has been a difficult one for me to wrap my mind around—especially reading about the incredible miracles Jesus performed. I’ve come to realize, however, the difference between knowing I’m a citizen of His kingdom and actually living as one.
Intellectually, we digest the truths of Scripture and seek to put them into practice. Yet one of the key elements of Jesus’ ministry was His authority—not in the sense of telling people what to do, but in His understanding of who He was and is. Extending far beyond information, His identity—and thus His authority—comes from heaven, not earth (Revelation 1:13-18). So should ours.
His life for ours, the cross was an identity exchange. But Jesus didn’t need to go to the cross to reclaim power He had somehow lost. After all, He had already demanded that the grave relinquish the dead, that bodies be healed, hearts be restored, and demons flee.
He died to hand us keys we had lost due to our sin. But, like any set of keys, ownership is only effective as we use them (Isaiah 22:22; Matthew 16:18-19).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 26:1-32
More:
Read Acts 4:1-20 and consider what it means to have a clear understanding of your authority in Jesus.
Next:
What does it mean for you to have an identity based on heaven’s view rather than earth’s? What are some areas where you believe Jesus is calling you to walk in a greater sense of His authority?
tom felten on November 15, 2013 at 9:49 am
Love the keys metaphor, Gina! And when you wrote of Jesus’ authority, I was reminded of what He said in John 10:18: “No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” Yes, Jesus had the authority and power to defeat His enemies, but He showed true power and love by willingly laying down His life that we might have life!
regina franklin on November 16, 2013 at 8:41 pm
My continual prayer is to be honed in on His voice–that I might know in all things who I am and what He loves–and for the boldness to walk in obedience!