POWER VRS AUTHORITY

DAY 270

Luke 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

We might find it strange that Jesus conferred both power and authority when he sent out the twelve, but that was the only way to ensure they excelled. Think about this: an armed robber and a firearms police officer can both wield weapons- say a gun. So the question is what is the difference when both fire a bullet from it?

Both have power (with the gun), but one has authority whereas the other does not. Hence, Jesus gave the disciples both the “capacity” to make things happen and the “right or privilege” to make those things happen.

A politically elected president is a president everywhere, but they do not wield the same authority in another nation as they do on their own home turf. Thus, while you may seem to have the power to do certain things, you have to be sure you have the authority to do them.

When one does not understand the delineation between power and authority, you are likely to step out of your jurisdiction. That can cost you, even your life.

#sly