Echoes of Authority

Our president called my boss and me into his office one day with some good news: my boss was being promoted to be our vice president of underwriting, and I would become the corporate officer over our business insurance operation. It was a milestone moment, a mixed blend of affirmation, humility, and the eager anticipation of new possibilities. As we turned to leave, the president asked me to stay another minute. Then one-on-one he counseled me, “Paul, from now on, everything you say will echo ten times louder throughout the company.” He need not have said another word, for I knew instantly what he meant: position carries authority, and authority demands responsibility — wield it wisely. “Thank you,” I replied, “I understand.”

Before returning to Heaven, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”¹ He spoke of that granted to Him by His Father, adding this imperative for disciples both then and now: “Therefore go.”² We live in Christ, and He sends us in His authority into a fallen world with a command — foster followers, baptize believers, and teach them truth.³ Through His words, Jesus had modeled a submitted life: “I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it.”⁴ Jesus subjected His actions, as well, saying “The Son . . . does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.”⁵ How easy it is for us to esteem Jesus’ submission comfortably at arms’ length — inspired, yet stationary — but God sends us forth also with the same expectations: to speak and act under His authority. So Peter likewise instructs, “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”⁶

So how do we effectively live as stewards of eternal riches, the gospel? I think it starts here: “In your hearts, revere Christ as Lord.”⁷ Paul likewise directs our focus upward, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”⁸ This is our relational foundation for the fruitful journey of an obedient life. Daily in the Word and constant in prayer, we “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”⁹ and we present ourselves to God as approved workers with no need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.¹⁰ Then “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”¹¹ So go in the authority of Christ. And echo the good news loudly (loudly . . . loudly . . . loudly . . . ).

Father, prepare and lead me to share the gospel through words and deeds. Grace me to do Your work in humility, faith, confidence, and great joy. Be glorified. In Christ I pray. Amen.

¹ Matthew 28:18 NIV
² Matthew 28:19 NIV
³ Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
⁴ John 12:49-50 NLT
⁵ John 5:19 NLT
⁶ 1 Peter 4:11 NIV
⁷ 1 Peter 3:15 NIV
⁸ Colossians 3:1-2 ESV
⁹ 2 Peter 3:18 ESV
¹⁰ 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV
¹¹ Colossians 3:17 NIV