SCRIPTURE READING: LUKE 15: 11-32
FOCUS: “But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:” (Luke 15: 22)
MEMORY VERSE: “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10: 19)
When the prodigal son returned to his father, the servants of the father were ordered to put a ring on his hand. In bible times, rings were symbolic of authority. So, there was a restoration of authority in the life of the prodigal son. Apparently, part of what he lost whilst in a far country, was the authority of royalty he once had. He was not only going to have his identity restored; his authority was also restored by the father.
Friend, in all your losing, never lose your authority in Christ. Never lose sense of the authority that God has bestowed upon your life. Never lose sense of the authority you enjoy because of the finished work of Christ. Never lose sense of the authority you enjoy because of the power of God at work in you. Never lose sight of the authority you have been given over snakes and scorpions and over every power of the enemy.
It didn’t make sense that one would have a royal garment and even wear royal shoes but be bereft of royal authority, and the father of the prodigal son demanded that the ring be put on his hand. You would be making a mockery of the Christ you profess if you continue to operate without the authority that is in Christ. You won’t convince anyone with a powerless following of Jesus. People won’t believe in your God if you lack authority.
Resolve to never live a life that does not put the authority of Christ on display. Be intentional to show forth the authority that Christ has put on your life as a believer. Be intentional to exercise dominion over the powers of hell. Be intentional to throw punches at the gates of hell. Be intentional to make a mess of the power of the enemy. Be intentional to roll back the arrangements of hell. Be intentional to enforce the kingdom in your environment.
Don’t be counted amongst sons that lack or fail to display the authority of the father. Embrace the fulness of the authority you have in Christ. Never lose your authority.
FURTHER READING: LUKE 10
DECLARATION:
- I have authority in Christ; I prevail over the gates of hell, in Jesus’ name!
