Our Authority Series

Psalm 91 - Study 32 - Our Authority

We read in Psalm 91:13, “You will have power to trample on lions and poisonous snakes.” (ERV)

Our studies on Psalm 91 hitherto have described in detail the protection that is available to those who have made the Lord their refuge and dwelling place. Psalm 91 verse 13 makes clear the authority that is available for those who are God’s children, whom the Psalmist says will have power to trample on lions and poisonous snakes. To trample something under our feet implies that it is powerless to stand before us.

A similar verse is also found in the New Testament. These are the words of Jesus as found in

Luke 10:19, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” (ESV)

The Lord bestows this authority to those who believe in Him. We will study further to understand what this authority means to us.

The authority that Adam and Eve received from God

After Adam and Eve were created the first blessing that God endowed them with this special blessing.

We read in Genesis 1:28, “God blessed them and said to them, "Have many children. Fill the earth and take control of it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the air. Rule over every living thing that moves on the earth." (ERV)

God gave Adam and Eve the authority to rule over all of His creation. As long as Adam lived in submission to God’s authority, he was able to exercise this mastery over all creation. Adam was able to exercise this power over creation with the word of his mouth, until the day he disobeyed the command of God. The day Adam and Eve disobeyed, they lost this authority that God had bestowed on them.

Let me explain this with an example from everyday life. A government employee can exercise his authority as long as he or she remains subject to their higher authority. If they are insubordinate for any reason, they will most certainly forfeit the powers that was vested in them. The word authority is an important term which needs to be understood and also implemented in the proper way.

The centurion who understood this authority

We read in Matthew 8:9, “I know this, because I understand authority. There are people who have authority over me, and I have soldiers under my authority. I tell one soldier, 'Go,' and he goes. I tell another soldier, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and my servant obeys me."” (ERV)

In Matthew chapter 8 we read about a centurion who came to Jesus on behalf of his servant, who was paralyzed and suffering. Being a Roman Centurion he completely understood the true implications of what it meant to be in authority. He explained to Jesus the fact that he was a man under authority, but that he also had a hundred soldiers who were under his authority. This man had clearly understood who Jesus really was, the authority that was apparent in Him and therefore he knew a word from Jesus was enough to heal his servant. As one who exercised authority over his soldiers, the centurion inferred that the words of Jesus were so powerful that there was nothing that could not be accomplished just by His word. This was the reason why he exhibited such unshakable faith in Jesus and in what He could do. The result was that he received the astounding miracle of immediate healing for his ailing servant, who was paralyzed.

Interestingly all through the scriptures we note that those who perceived who God truly was, experienced the wonders of God in their lives. Often we miss out on overcoming the enemy, simply because we have failed to realize the power and authority of God in whom we believe. Many of us have not fully comprehended the power that is there in God and His word. If each of us can fully apprehend the authority that is in God and as to what He has lavished on us, we too can experience those miraculous interventions of God in our lives. If any of you are challenged with circumstances that are too difficult, complex and beyond your control, all you need to do is acknowledge the power and authority of God over that situation. As we speak words of faith over these situations, trusting in the power of God, we will certainly experience speedy deliverance and have victory in every area of our lives.

The authority that God had bestowed on Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden was usurped by Satan deceitfully. Satan craftily presented to Adam and Eve things that were not, as though they were and in the process cunningly deceived them into believing his lies. Satan is a liar and he will disillusion us to not see all that we have and will cripple us to believe that we are nothing.