All authority in heaven and earth

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

We are all familiar with these wonderful words that Jesus spoke to his disciples after his resurrection. Just dwell for a moment on this truth that all authority in heaven and earth is in Jesus’ hands. As God’s children, bought by his blood, we too can operate under that authority and that means we have authority over our lives, homes and families. And that is just the start.

I have found that Christians tend either to lie down and let the devil walk all over them and their families with sickness, financial problems, marriage breakdown, children in difficulties or they start trying to take on major demonic powers in the heavenly realm ‘in the name of Jesus’.  Both extremes are wrong.

Firstly we need to realise Jesus has given us authority over our lives, homes and families and we must learn to walk in this. The Holy Spirit will teach us how to pray and take authority over everything afflicting our lives. We do not have to live in sickness, doubt, unbelief, poverty, criticism, abusive relationships, addictions and so on. We may have brought these things into our Christian lives but we do not need to continue to live in them. It may take time but the Holy Spirit is a wonderful guide and will show you how to pray and will lead you to people, books, teachings that will help you.

In South Africa there are many homes in our area that have trouble with baboons. The baboons have learned that humans equal food – nice food and they will do all they can to invade people’s property and homes. Defensive measures need to be taken but even then they can invade homes but when they do, people do not need to make the baboons at home; they need to drive them out forcefully. The baboons have no right in their homes.

In the same way the devil has no right to be in your life, home or family and you must drive him out forcefully. You may need to deal with old behaviour patterns, ungodly beliefs, areas of unforgiveness and also with the lies that say the devil has a right in your life. He doesn’t. You are a child of God and under his authority and covering you have all authority in heaven and earth over all principalities and powers in your life and circumstances.

Don’t let the devil steal from you. Exercise your God given authority and declare it over your life. Let the truth of who God is and who you are as his child infiltrate every area of your life, home and family in Jesus Name. He has all the authority and you belong to him.