Again
they entered Jerusalem. As Jesus was walking through the Temple area, the
leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders came up to him.
They demanded, "By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave
you the right to do them?" "I'll tell you by what authority I do
these things if you answer one question," Jesus replied. "Did John's
authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human? Answer me!"
They talked it over among themselves. "If we say it was from heaven, he
will ask why we didn't believe John. But do we dare say it was merely
human?" For they were afraid of what the people would do, because everyone
believed that John was a prophet. So they finally replied, "We don't
know." And Jesus responded, "Then I won't tell you by what authority
I do these things." Mark 11:27-33
 |
| The Liberty Bell Philadelphia Ringing in the Truth Beware that the truth you hear is not cracked. |
When you hear
that an “authority” has said something, are you more likely to listen to the
words…the advice…or to respond positively if you respect and admire that
person? I think that is human nature. No respect…no positive action. It seems
that the religious leaders of Jesus’ time were of the same mind. They wanted
the respect of their fellow Jews. They didn’t want to be wrong and either way
they responded to Jesus question would be wrong. They took the easy way
out…faked misunderstanding. We don’t
know.
In the Old Testament it was clear if the prophet was speaking from
God’s authority or not. If his predictions didn’t come true the people knew
that he was not God’s representative. No authority…no power…no truth.
If the prophet speaks in the LORD's name but his
prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the LORD did not
give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be
feared. Deuteronomy
18:22
Can you apply
that scripture to today? If a person “predicts” something…and it doesn’t happen
then can you be sure that the person is not authorized by God? Watch out for
the false prophets of the day! But what about that person standing in the
pulpit of your church? Is he or she there to tickle your ears?
For a time is coming when people will no longer
listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and
will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to
hear. 2 Timothy 4:3
Look for
authority…in the church and even in politics…that are following God’s teaching—sound
doctrine—and using it to teach, challenge and convict others. Will you listen
to their authority then?
Prayer
~ Dear Lord…on this Lord’s Day, it is time for a rest. Rest from the weekly
stresses, tasks and work. It is so reassuring to know that You are at work in
those of us who love You and are called according to Your purpose. Romans 8:28
NASB. May those in authority follow Your teachings and seek You with all their
heart, soul, mind and strength.
Daily
Bible Reading: Proverbs 22-24
© 2018 Text and
photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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