PROPHECY, AUTHORITY AND AUTHENTICITY Bible Study: Numbers 24:2-7,15-17, Psalm 25, Matthew 21:23-27 The chief priests and elders of the people approached Jesus demanding to know who gave him the authority to carry out the work he was doing. They obviously did not recognize him as anything other than an ordinary human being trying to make some noise. So they wanted to know who sent him, who gave him the power to work miracles, who taught him how to preach and touch people’s hearts, and for his part, Jesus does not respond directly to their question. He simply throws back a question to them instead. Where did John the Baptist get his baptism from? From man or from God? And to this, they could not answer meaning they didn’t deserve to know where Jesus got his own authority from. Dear friends, we tend to judge people based on who they are associated with, that is, we judge authenticity based on certain big names rather than actual worth. If a man comes in to your office for instance and introduces himself as the son of Dangote, I am sure he will get things done faster than when he comes on his own without such an introduction. Jesus already gave us a formula of judging authenticity when he said: “By their fruits, you shall know them.” One who is truly called by God will be empowered to do certain things that others may find impossible to do and only a jealous Pharisee or Scribe or Chief priest would be bothered about whose authority such a person is acting. But if such a person is not called, the truth will surface someday. Can you imagine that as far back as the book of Number, Balaam had already prophesied about Jesus Christ? And the proof of his prophecy came to pass only thousands of years later. We live in an age where there are so many prophets and not all of them are genuine. They may prophesy certain things just to make certain people feel good but their word never come to pass. However it is not for us to judge or start asking questions about this or that so-called Man of God, what is important is that we ourselves do not get into such insincere acts of prophesying or ministry without actually hearing anything from God. Let us Pray: Lord God, your word is yes and Amen. Whatever you have said, that is what you will do. As we prepare for your Son’s birth, may our lives be transformed and renewed in you. Amen Good morning. Be Happy. Have Faith. Live Positive. It is well with you.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 04:35:33 +0000
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