What and Authority!

Luke 4:31-37 (New King James Version)
Jesus Casts Out an Unclean Spirit

31 Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. 32 And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. 33 Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” 35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. 36 Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” 37 And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region.

When I read today's scripture from my Bible reading guide, I concluded with a grin on my face. It was a very encouraging message to read. Here is some background information. Jesus has just been tempted by Satan and rejected by his hometown of Nazereth. He is a man and has the same feelings as us that is why I think it is safe to say that He is emotional and physically drained. But this doesn't affect his ministry. He still teaches the word and He doesn't just teach it, He teaches it with authority! The hypocrites around him were even forced to admit that this man even commanded unclean spirits with authority.

I don't know about you but this passage comforts me. This assures me of my salvation. My Savior has authority. My savior didn't die in vain for a people who hate him. He died to secure salvation, for he came a ransom for many. He came for the sake of the elect, his blood was shed to save them, it was not shed in vain! What a comfort it is to know that our Lord has authority. Let us be submissive to his authority and may He work in our hearts to free us from the bondage of sin.