Today’s reading: Judges 10-11; Luke 9:1-36
24 Will you not possess what Chemosh your god gives you to possess? And all that the Lord our God has dispossessed before us, we will possess. Judges 11:24
1 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. Luke 9:1-2
God has power and authority over all things. This is shown throughout the Bible beginning on the first page of Genesis and it is demonstrated in today’s readings.
Jephthah was a mighty warrior and also a powerful statesman with the ability to argue from history and theology with his enemies, the Ammonites. He made a foolish vow, true, but he is still remembered for his faith in Hebrews 11:32. He was acclaimed because he showed an understanding and confidence in God’s power and authority over all the earth, the peoples, and the nations. God had granted the land to Israel, he argued with the king of the Ammonites. Since they did not believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but trusted in Chemosh, they would get what he could give them. History and theology was on Jephthah’s side.
Jesus gave His disciples power and authority to preach the gospel and to heal. He sent them out to the villages. They obeyed and they reported back to Him. Jesus always was in harmony with the power and authority of His Father. This is obvious as Luke mentions several times about Jesus taking time alone to pray.
Israel under God’s authority and power took the Promised Land. Jesus Christ under His Father’s authority was beginning to take Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth for the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:8).
Christians today may feel oppressed by those who follow Chemosh or other gods, but the God of the Bible is the true and rightful Creator and Lord of all. His power and authority rule over all others. Walk in faith and confidence in Him today. Your faith will soon be made sight when He comes or calls you home.
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