Daily Worship, Spirit and Word - June 13, 2024

Christ Jesus trampled satan under His feet. Christ Jesus crushed the head of satan and destroyed the works of the devil. Jesus displayed His power over demons by forcing them to leave the people they were tormenting. Jesus further displayed His absolute authority over darkness by giving His disciples authority to heal the sick, tread on “scorpions”, and cast out devils.

Why would Christ Jesus do this while walking the earth, only to remove that authority after His death, burial and resurrection and after pouring out His Holy Spirit on us? Holy Spirit is Christ in us. Holy Spirit is the embodiment of the power of God. Jesus told His disciples in Acts 1:8, “But you shall receive power (dunamis) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…”. Were His initial disciples the only ones who received power? Just the original twelve? Or the seventy? Or do all His followers still receive Holy Spirit? At some point, did God stop giving power to those who receive the same Holy Spirit of Christ?

I know some people teach that we can’t live in a righteous manner or have the power of God in our lives on earth, but this is not what Jesus and His Apostles taught or demonstrated. The Name of Jesus is the authority. The infilling and baptism of Holy Spirit is the power. For a policeman, a badge represents authority and a gun represents power. However, the policeman’s authority outlines how he can use the power. The same is in place for you as a disciple of Jesus. Our relationship with Father God through faith in Christ Jesus and the presence of Holy Spirit teaches us our authority and outlines our use of the power of God. Christ Jesus has overcome the devil, so we are more than conquerors and we are overcomes in Christ Jesus. We walk in the authority and power of Christ over sin and darkness. Knowing God and being known of God is the pre-requisite.