“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 NKJV
If you are an older sibling, you have probably been put in charge of your younger sibling(s) when your parents were away for a short while. In those times, you had the same authority over your siblings that your parents had.
We also see this play out when dignitaries send representatives in their stead to certain events where they can’t be present. These representatives have the same authority that the dignitaries have at that time.
This is similar to what Jesus did for us before His ascension. In our anchor scripture, Jesus gave His disciples authority over every power of the enemy. It was an assurance that wherever they went to in the authority of His name, they saw victory over the devil.
There are believers who have the wrong notion that the devil is the opposite of God. They think he has equal power to God and they are at loggerheads in ruling this world. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
The Pharisees implied something similar to this when they accused Jesus of casting out demons through satanic power. In answering their accusations, Jesus made an interesting illustration:
“Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.” Mark 3:27 NLT
Further, in another portion of scripture, we see the Lord’s authority over the devil.
“When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!” Luke 10:17-18 NLT
Dear believer, since you are seated with Christ in heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6), the devil is under your feet. All authority has been given to Christ (Matt. 28:18), and He has given you the authority in His name.
When you walk into a room, darkness flees because Jesus and the authority you carry in Him walked in with you. At the sight or discerning of demonic activity or any power of the enemy, enforce the authority you have in Christ over them!
Jesus spoke about you when He said, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18, NKJV)
In His death, burial and resurrection, Christ has won the victory for you. Make full use of your authority in Christ today!
Bible Reading Plan:
John 9:13-25, 1 John 1:5-10, Job 9:1-20, Ezekiel 24-26