Auctoritas | Authority

"For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it."- Luke 7:8 KJV

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Delegation of Authority

The entire Bible, and not just the gospels of the New Testament, in one way or another tell us about the Word, made flesh in the figure of Jesus Christ. From the beginning, the Word dwelt with the Father, learned from Him and the Word was God. Being the Word the very representation and manifestation of God Father, subjected himself to obedience and authority, yet decided to dwell among us on this earth. When time was perfect, he manifested his divine nature and power through various signs, feats, miracles, and wonders during his discipleship on this Earth.

In this portion of the Word of God, we learn about two different cases of divine healing. Again, the Lord works with power and all authority, which as we remember, God the Father previously delegated upon him at the time of his baptism in the waters of the Jordan. We see that, in the first case, he heals a centurion's servant by sending a powerful word of healing over his life; in the other case, he revives the son of a widow when his coffin was conducted out the city to be buried.

I will center my message in the powerful word of healing. The centurions of the Roman Empire were considered high-ranking officers, career soldiers who began as a private soldier and rose through seniority and merit, oversaw a group of one hundred soldiers, followed the structure of the legion and had administrative and directory powers. As described in Luke 7:1–10, this centurion was a good man, sensitive to the needs of conquered people (he had even built a synagogue for them), and on good terms with the Jewish religious leaders.

Also, he was a man who recognized the principles of delegation of authority, subjection and obedience, earthly principles that are a reflection of heavenly and eternal principles. This man, although high in earthly hierarchy, did not consider himself worthy to appear before the King of Kings, whom he recognized as someone of a higher category than his. For this reason, he sent Jewish elders (who were considered honorable, wise religious leaders and of a high spiritual category at that time) to urgently deliver the message of help from that man, who although he belonged to the Gentile people, was fearful of God. He sent someone he considered to be of a high spiritual hierarchical rank to carry the message.

The centurion humbled himself and did not feel worthy of receiving the Lord Jesus Christ in his own home either. Probably, he used to be a bloodthirsty and violent man, surely his hands were stained with blood from the innumerable deaths he accumulated during the years of his military life. He considered that both him and his house were unclean and not worthy for the Son of the Almighty God to place the sole of his foot in that place. Instead, he said (v 7) "Lord, trouble yourself no more, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof; that's why I didn't even consider myself worthy to go to you, just say the word and my servant will be healed."

Jesus marveled at the faith and recognition of authority of that man. He turned around and said to the people who followed him (v 8) "... I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." His request was answered instantly. The word of healing was sent out following an order and a principle, and accomplished its objective. The centurion's faith and certainty saved his servant, when those that were sent returned home, found the servant whole that had been sick (v 10). This event served as testimony and recognition of the authority and power vested in Jesus Christ.

Obedience, subjection and order bring blessing. It is a biblical principle and God is faithful in fulfilling his promises and watching over the complete fulfillment of his Word. Are you respecting and submitting to the authority or authorities delegated by God in your life? And what about the instructions that the Lord of hosts and General in Chief of the heavenly militia left embodied in his divine word? Be brave, fight the good fight of faith, and snatch away your blessing.

"And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits: and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." - Luke 7: 21-23 KJV

Reflection on Luke 7:1-23 by Nydia Flores

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