Feb 1985 - Editorial

Major contributions to Needed Truth this month turn our thoughts to a subject on which so much of divine purposes hinges, namely, authority - whether it be the emergent authority born of the quiet confidence instilled into Joshua by the word and promise of God; or that expressed in the ringing tones of Peter at Pentecost.

Authority challenged by jealousy: From the chief priests, scribes and elders came the petulant demand, "By what authority doest Thou these things? or who is He that thee gave this authority?" (Luke 20:2). If the Lord's authority were to have been in any doubt initially to an impartial observer of the scene that doubt would have vanished by the time the Lord had finished with those who disparaged Him! The inherent spiritual power of Christ's teaching and preaching can only have been enhanced if such is possible, by the impressive wisdom of His response to the challenge. Our objective by-stander could only have shared the sentiment of the guards sent one day to take Jesus: "Never man so spake" (John 7:46).

Authority acknowledged by humility: From a God-fearing Roman centurion came the perceptive statement, "I also am a man set under authority" (Luke 7:8). He was, of course, paying tribute to the Lord's complete command of the powers of sickness and death, at the same time revealing a profound insight into the divine principles of authority and its exercise in the secular affairs of this world. In the sphere of things spiritual all is brought to its consummation the pronouncement from the Galilean mountain, "All authority hath been given unto Me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore ..."

Authority declared with assurance: From the Spirit-filled apostle at Pentecost came the triumphant, uncompromising declaration, "God hath made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified". Another contributor this month brings us an uplifting presentation of this One "who is the blessed and only potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords ... to whom be honour and power eternal. Amen" (1 Tim. 6:15,16).

unknown | Feb 1985
Editorial