Crossing guard power

I was driving down 80th street today and came up to a school zone where crossing guards had the traffic stopped as they were leading a group of kids across the crosswalk of the street.

Maybe it is just me, but I had a sense where the crossing guards were taking great delight and relish in using their authority and power. Their look screamed out, "I am in control!" "I love lifting up the 'stop' sign and making you wait"!

Or maybe not.

At any rate, crossing guards do have the authority and power to stop cars.

They don't do so because they have the physical power to do so. However, cars do stop, because the crossing guards hold up a sign and wear a "uniform" given to them by a higher authority.

To fight effectively in the spiritual battle that we are fighting, we must have a right understanding of power and authority in God's kingdom.

Doctor Luke writes in Luke 9:1,2, "When Jesus had called the twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick."

Jesus gave them power and authority to cure diseases and drive out all demons.

Everyone, according to Acts 1:8, can receive power from the Holy Spirit. Power is the ability, the strength, the might to complete a given task. Authority is the right to use the power of God.

We have been given a "stop sign" and uniform by Jesus. These gifts become effective when we learn to wear and use them correctly.

I encourage you today - in the midst of the spiritual battle that you are waging, take authority over the enemy. Use God's power that is at your disposal.

Be strong. Overcome. Stand strong in Jesus.

For as a believer in Christ, you have power from on high.