God's Ongoing Partnership with Us

Scripture: They discussed it among themselves: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, because they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know its origin. And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Luke 20:5-8

Observation: In response to the question about his authority Jesus asks the Pharisees about the authority of John. They have two possible options - God or humans - and choose not to answer, and therefore Jesus will not answer.

In this, we see there are two options when in comes to heavenly authority. One is God ... that it is the Lord who provides all authority and power to prophets, saints, and Jesus. The other option is mankind ... that it is humans who decide to grant authority over themselves and thus respond to teaching. The Pharisees believed these were independent concepts - valid teaching came from God's authority, but behavior like John and Jesus was simply being responded to by ignorant people and thus they had "power" from their followers only. On the other hand, since they followed the law, they had authority of heaven, though obviously had zero validation from people.

The Pharisees failed to recognize that the true authority has always been a partnership between God and people. God grants his spirit for power and words, but it is in the response of people that authority manifests. God doesn't need people to respond to his teaching, but he teaches in order for people to respond. The supernatural gifting of authority by God, and the responsive granting of authority by believers, are the unified fulfillment of God's teaching.

Application: God always has authority over my life. However, his authority is complete when I join with him. This partnership could be in obedience to law, service to others, prayer and conversation, and reflection on his word. This is a loving way to command ... this is God choosing to not force me and bend me to his will, but rather allowing me to join him in his plan. This I seek to do better and better.

Prayer: Lord, I ask again for forgiveness of my sins and wayward heart. I desire to follow, obey, join, and walk with you. I truly seek your spirit to aid in my repentance from evil, and strength to align my life with your authority. Amen.