Authority and Humility

 Ezra 4; Psalms 113, 127; Luke 9

“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick…An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest…Then he said to them …’he who is least among you all – he is the greatest.’”

Luke 9:1, 2, 46, 48

Commissioned by Jesus to preach the Gospel of the kingdom of God, praying for healing, driving out all demons with power and authority, it’s not hard to understand why the disciples were struggling with pride and competition. Character is the container in which the anointing of the Holy Spirit is carried. Jesus used a little child to illustrate the value God places on the least that are among us. Recognizing and welcoming the least among us as we serve together in the power of the Spirit is a powerful combination. Some have great humility yet lack the gifting and power of the Holy Spirit to witness. Others, like disciples, have power and authority in the Spirit, but lack humility. When we live on mission in both humility and the power of the Spirit, we are maturing as disciples of Christ who look like our Leader.

“Lord Jesus, I humble myself before you and others. I pray for your anointing for ministry this day, for your glory.”