“¹⁰Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ¹¹’I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’” — Matthew 3:10-11 (ESV)

John the Baptist is carrying out the baptism of those coming to him. He is very open and transparent with his actions in that it is no secret that he is baptizing in the name of Christ who is coming after him. John is carrying out the work he has been tasked with by God and makes sure that everyone knows there is more to this than just the baptism with water.

Jesus is to come and in his work will wash away all of the sins of the world. He will provide something that the waters of baptism cannot, the Holy Spirit. When baptized and taking on repentance as an ongoing action, the Holy Spirit will walk with me in any and all situations. I have a guide and a protector with me and that guide is there in the name of Christ.

Now there are those that repent in words only and then are baptized for the world to “see” and then they enter back into the deceptive world from which they came. For these, there is no ongoing action of repentance and therefore what they receive in return is fire and devastation.

“¹²His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” — Matthew 3:12 (ESV)

Jesus knows who is with Him in their heart and who is only there on the surface. At first glance the numbers are great and the bounty is overflowing, but with the threshing of the wheat, the outer husk is cast away and burned up and that which is on the inside is cared for and harvested for the good of all and the glory of God.

I have to remember to do the search of my heart each day and repent for all that I have done and all that I will do. Yes, all that I will do, for as I know, I am human and will continue to make the mistakes humans make. No matter how hard I try, I will still fail and will sin for that is what I am, a sinner. I seek repentance at every turn to be sure that I am in line with the tasks that God has for me and that I will have the Holy Spirit walking with me all the way.

What does your repentance get you? Are you repenting on the surface only to have that surface destroyed, leaving you wondering what is next? What if you truly repented to have the Holy Spirit walk with you in any and all circumstances?

I have seen too many times where someone has asked for forgiveness or professed to being “sorry” for something only shortly thereafter commit a similar if not the same act they had before. This diminishes the action of repentance or the profession of apology.

“⁸Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” — Matthew 3:8 (ESV)

This account from John the Baptist’s baptisms is so telling. Here the Pharisees and Sadducees were coming to be baptized for the “world” to see. They were coming to “outwardly show” that they were “men of God”. John, called them out. He made sure everyone could and would hear that they were there. They were being baptized and that they would be accountable to what the baptism represented.

The reality was that this act of baptism for the Pharisees and Sadducees was just that, an act. It was to be a public display to cover all of the covert actions that they truly engaged in.

“⁷But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” — Matthew 3:7 (ESV)

The “viper” was cunning and slithery and seemed always to be working in the shadows. The was the representation of the Pharisees and Sadducees that John was referring. They always had an angle and the bulk of the time it was they who were truly up to no good although outward appearances “showed” a different picture.

Repentance is an outward demonstration of an inward change. The change was to bring glory to God in any and all situations. Not meant for the one time, or only when the “public” was watching. Repentance was an ongoing action based on the inward change in the life of the individual. That ongoing action was first outwardly demonstrated to the public by being baptized and having the past washed away to show the clean start moving forward.

I have to remember that just repenting is not the end of the action, but the beginning and that beginning is each and every day. Repentance is something that happens at all times and in all situations. I am bearing fruit as an outward example of the inward change to follow Jesus.

What is your example of repentance showing to the world? Are making a visual demonstration for the sake of everyone to “see” and then backing away into the shadows for covert actions? What if you changed, and stayed in the light for all to see every move and made those moves about glorifying God at every turn?

I have been chosen by God. I have been adopted by Him. I am an heir to heaven. I have the opportunity to be given authority by God. I only need accept, and use His authority for His glory. And that may mean I am treated unfairly and poorly here in this world. But:

“⁴Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” — Revelation 20:4 (ESV)

Here I see that the martyrdom has been and will continue. And that it is not and was not just me that was impacted, there were many before and many that will come after me, and therefore a precedent and an example. I have to remember that I am not and was not alone. I am loved by God and chosen by Him. I am His and He will protect and care for me in all. I will reign regardless of what goes on in this world.

Jesus came to die for me so that I may have eternal life. And what am I to do with that life, honor and glorify Him through the spreading of His word regardless of the situation or circumstance and know that He will care for my all in all. I have been given the authority to do so and therefore I should be using that authority.

I may be persecuted for even knowing God and more so for exercising the authority given to me, and I should look to have that heaped on me knowing that I am doing right and will be protected and rewarded. Regardless of the consequences faced here in this world, it is not here that I am looking to find reward, it is in heaven seated with Jesus.

What reign are you looking for? Are you looking to be more here in this world? What if you were to simply do the work of God and realize your reign in heaven after exercising the authority given by God?

Today I find myself in a position where I feel that I am simply in this world to do as I am told, and even when pointed out as incorrect, I am still treated as though I do not have a say. I feel as though I have no voice and even when I do have the opportunity to speak, those words are falling on deaf ears or as I mentioned just yesterday “I feel like I am speaking to a wall”.

The thing is, I am looking at the idea that I don’t even really exist except to do what others tell me, even when what they tell me is wrong. I should be looking at things in such a manner that I listen to God and God only. I may not have authority here in in this world, but I do in the name of God as I do His work for His glory.

“²⁶The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, ²⁷and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.” — Revelation 2:25-26 (ESV)

Above are the words of Jesus in writing to the Church in Thyatira. Although, I look at them as more of a rallying cry for me in my struggle with the position I am in today. I have to remember that my authority does not come from man. It does not come from doing the will and work of man in this world. I gain authority through my works done in the name of and for the glory of God. I am my father’s son, and there is where I get my authority. I am given authority from my Father, God.

I am in this world to do the work of God. I have work to do as man in man’s world, but whether anyone accepts me or my existence is of no consequence. I will sleep just fine when I know that I have offered my recommendations and provided feedback and given it my all, even when others don’t seem to be receptive. I have to remember that I may simply be planting a seed that will need several days, months, or even years to germinate and grow and flower. I may be long gone and yet someone may finally remember that they heard somewhere an idea that just might work. For that I have to be satisfied and know that when I have done in the name of God, I have done the work in route to authority in His name.

What authority are you seeking that cannot be given by man? Are you looking to be heard in the world of man? What if you simply sought to bring glory to God and do His works and allowed Him to provide authority to you in His name?

I have been given authority by God and I have the duty to maintain that authority for the glory of God in all that I encounter. I have to be diligent not to fall into the trap of giving up that authority for the consequence is dire.

“⁶And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day — ⁷just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.” — Jude 1:6-7 (ESV)

There other examples in God’s Word of the giving up of the authority given by God; the Israelites worshiping the golden calf and cast into the chasm and all those other than Noah destroyed by the flood. These all had the idea that they knew better and could hold their own if they gave into their desires and abandoned the authority given to them by God.

I see every day similar things happening in this world. Maybe not to first glance are they demonstrating that abandoning, but look closer. The rioting in the streets in the name of rights, the destruction of property to protest someone’s good fortune, and the refusal to own up to mistakes and taking responsibility for actions. All of these demonstrate a look to self and self interest as opposed to the glory of God in all things. This abandoning of the movement to the glory of God is the giving up of the authority given by God and will end in punishment from God.

I have been entrusted to use the authority give me by God for His glory. I have a duty to do so and take that very seriously. I find myself in positions where I hold the line for what is right for others only to be treated as though I have somehow abandoned my rights and deserve to be treated as a lowly less that authority. I know that it is only those that are insecure in their own authority that put down others, but the sting is still pretty gruesome when it happens to me.

I must remain in God and in His authority to demonstrate the authority given to me. I have to remember that authority, take it seriously, know it is given for His glory, and use it accordingly or lose it. If I am not careful, I will lose that authority give and then I am accountable for the consequences of my inaction to embrace and use that authority for the glory of God.

What authority are you aware of that has been given to you? Are you looking to self and self interest as opposed to bringing glory to God? What if you were to embrace the authority given by God and used it accordingly so as to avoid losing it and reaping the consequences of abandoning that authority?

“¹⁵Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” — Titus 2:15 (ESV)

And there you have it. I am to use the authority give by God. I am not to allow others to dismiss me. I am to display that which is mine as provided by the Father.

But wait. Yes I have been give authority and have the ability to use that authority, yet I am to do so only in the most thought out circumstances and not at every whimsical opportunity to demonstrate strength and power. I am to be a child of God and reserve that authority for the circumstances where reason and love and care are absolutey NOT possible.

Jesus was the picture of calm and reserve and love and care at all times. He dealt with situations in a way that we as humans can only dream about. And yet, he was able to accomplish so much. Paul’s work was largely done while he had not physical contact with others. Yes he traveled and was well known, yet his writings that we study now were composed as he sat in prison.

Our authority is not something that we have earned and are free to use as we see fit. It was given by God and is for those extreme circumstances where there is no other way to accomplish the work of God in the world. Use, not abuse, of the this authority is for us. I am to call on the name of Jesus and allow Him to provide as noted in John 14.

“¹³Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” — John 14:13-14 (ESV)

Notice the second part of verse 13 above, “that the Father may be glorified in the Son”. It is not for my glory that I call on this authority given by God, but for His. I am to remember at all times that it is for the name of God that I am here doing His work and not for my own name. When needed, I call on the authority given to me by God and I will be granted that to which will glorify God and spread His name throughout the world.

What are you looking for in authority? Are you hoping that the authority you have will somehow advance your standing? What it you recognized and used the authority given by God to you to advance His name throughout the world?

This morning as I continue to study the word “authority” I was reading in 1 Timothy and his writing to “pray for all people”. This is where I found the below verse.

“¹²I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” — 1 Timothy 2:12 (ESV)

Without context of what Paul is referring, one would see the role of woman to be that of full submissive and do as they are told. That is not being referred to here. Paul is stating that the role of men in the church is that of leadership and authority and for women it is of support. And that is the only place that the supportive role is being referenced.

Women are not prohibited from leadership and authority positions outside the church or in the personal relationship with their husbands (remember from my writing related to wearing symbols of authority). Even in the church, women are encouraged to teach and have leadership positions over women and children. They are to teach and care for them as their own. But in the church as a whole, women are to be supportive of the men and their leadership and authority. They are to be conservative and not drawing attention to themselves.

“⁹likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,” — 1 Timothy 12:9 (ESV)

This conservative and modest appearance allows for the attention to be on those in authority and does not distract from the role of the church, to bring glory to God and allow for the full worship of Him.

The authority and leadership of the church is reserved for men in the eyes of God. Not as a way of controlling or having women submit to them. The men have their role and the women, theirs. These roles are very clear and therefore are in the interest of God and for His glory and honor.

What are your values related to leadership and authority? Are you interested in those that are self-serving or those that are serving God? What if you were to take the leadership and authority role that God intended for you and served Him in that capacity and supported others in their role?

I am thankful that I do not have to fully rule over all. Yes, I do not have to rule over all. That job is for Jesus as given to Him by God.

“²¹far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. ²²And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, ²³which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” — Ephesians 1:21-23 (ESV)

Everything is under the rule and authority of Jesus and for that I am thankful. He will provide and protect, guide and direct, and care and love me and all that I am working in and through. I have Him to show me the way and clear the path. I have Jesus to lean on at all times and where he has tasks for me to complete, I am never alone in that work as He is with me all the way.

In my life I have or had bosses, managers, leaders, mentors, and authority figures and none of them compare to the role that Jesus has. He is the authority that gives strength. He is the leader that truly says “follow me”. He not only sets me on a path, but stays with me ever present when I need help. Jesus is the answer to any and all based on His rule and authority over any and all. I am thankful for His authority and knowing that when I need Him, I only need ask and He will be there.

What authority does Jesus have in your life? Are you aware that He is there for you every step of the way? What if you leaned on Him and were thankful for His being there and having that authority in all?

“¹⁰That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” — 1 Corinthians 11:10 (ESV)

As I read this morning, I was required to dig deeper for understanding here with this passage and this verse. At first and without full understanding, it reads as though a wife should be fully submissive to the husband, even to the point of wearing a head covering for all to see that she was “taken”. And where it is true in God’s word for the wife to submit to the husband, it is not as barbaric as it sounds.

I read the commentary for the passage in my ESV Bible and found that where indeed the head covering was a symbol of the authority of the husband and that the wife is taken. The culture of the day dictated that the head covering was more in line with a wedding ring and not a symbol of full submission. In the culture I am a part of that wedding ring symbol even translates to the husband to demonstrate the marriage to and authority of the wife in the relationship and with the husband.

My wife and I have been married for over 25 years and in that time I have gone into public without my wedding ring so few times I do not even think that I have. I am proud to let everyone know that I am married and that I respect and have submitted authority to Lori. I know that she feels the same way. I feel that my wedding ring and what it represents is a part of me and not an add on to make someone see things or feel a certain way. I wear the symbol of authority with honor.

What is your relationship with your spouse? Are you submissive to their authority? What if you were to see and wear your symbol of marriage and authority with honor?

“⁴For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.” — 1 Corinthians 7:4 (ESV)

I know, this verse refers to the physical part of a relationship with your spouse. At first glance I would agree. Paul however if referring in this passage (verses 1-16) to the “Principles for Marriage” (ESV). And in that there is the devotion of one spouse to the other and in that devotion, there is a thought for the other as opposed to the self.

When thinking of authority over one another, Paul is not referring to control, but that devotion and submission to each other. Where in the above verse, there is the reference to the physical, there is also the reference to giving of oneself to the other. And in verse 5 below:

“⁵Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” — 1 Corinthians 7:5 (ESV)

we find that one should not deprive one another except in times to devote yourself to God and worship of Him. And, that should only be in agreement between the two of you.

Lori and I have just realized the idea of the empty nest. We find ourselves in the throws of reconnecting as husband and wife and devoting ourselves once again to one another as opposed to splitting that time with our sons. I have to remember that now is the time that I have to provide selfless love and devotion to her and give the authority over me to her knowing that she will use that authority for the extension of our relationship with one another and our relationship with God.

As a human, I resist the idea that someone would have authority over me. I am capable of ruling and controlling my own life. But it is that devotion and care and love of another that make the giving of authority possible. And the giving of the authority to Lori is my act of love to her and the sanctity of our relationship.

What authority do you give to your spouse? Are you able to do so or are you holding on to the authority over yourself in a sheer act of selfishness? What if you would give your devotion to your spouse in the act of love and care and allowing them to have authority over you for the sake of your relationship to them and to God?