And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. - Matthew 7:28-29

As we continue to think about the idea of real authority, I have been fascinated with these two verses for a while now.  It catches my attention to see that Jesus spoke with authority and not as the scribes.  The Scribes and Pharisees had position and they had power, yet did not teach with authority.   This tells me that there is a difference between position/power and real authority.  As the Lord leads, I want to talk more about what the difference is but I am also fascinated by the word “astonished”.  The original Greek word used here implies they were “blown away” by His teaching.

In past times, including Bible times, the people would take their grain, shake it and/or toss it into the air and catch it again.  During this process the chaff would be blown away, leaving the seeds of grain. This is where the real nourishment comes from.

In this day and age, as it was in Bible times, there is a lot of chaff blowing around out there, and people are looking for where real nourishment for their souls can be found. In the story of the farmer and the different kind of the soils, Jesus compared the Word of God to seed being sown or planted. Look at just a few of the hundreds of things the Word of God can do in our lives.  Psalms 119:2, 9, 11, 41-42
(2) Blessed [are] those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with the whole heart!
The Word of the Lord brings blessings and Joy.
(9) How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
The Word of the Lord keeps a child on the right road in life.
(11) Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
The Word of the Lord keeps us from sin.
(41) Let Your mercies come also to me, O LORD--Your salvation according to Your word. (42) So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word.    
The word of the Lord prepares us for when (not if) we come up
against someone or something that opposes us.

As a parent you have the primary role and position in life to raise and influence your children.  There are many influences out there which are trying to have authority in your family. That is why it is important that you allow God’s word sort out the chaff from the real food, which nourishes the soul.  

Ask Jesus today to forgive and remove the sin and chaff in your life, and to provide you with real nourishment for your soul.  Only He can provide the nourishment your soul needs and desires.
Until next time…

Corona Virus, BLM, CRT, schools open or virtual learning, supply shortages, possible job loss, illness, mortality.   Seems like today that is all we hear, and no matter where we go, it shows up out of everywhere. The question on most everyone's mind is "What are we going to do?".  

 In addition to the good everyday practices of cleanliness we all need to do, authorities tell us to practice social distancing and to shelter at home until the virus storm passes by.  The Bible tells us to honor those in authority over us (Romans 13:1-3),  and without a doubt these things are good to do, however they only deal with protecting the external side of our lives.  But the question is what are you doing to protect the internal side of your life?  

One of the many aspects of fear is that it affects not only the individual who is afraid, but it affects all those around them.  This becomes very evident as a lot of us have witnessed this through the many fights and brawls we have seen or heard about, taking place over things of little value.   I don't remember seeing this before, but this morning when I went to the grocery store there was a security guard watching people as they came into the store.  The simple presence of someone who has some authority, often helps to bring calm to a situation.

What authority is bringing peace and calmness to your home and situation?  Is it a security guard in a grocery store, or is it like the cartoon I saw where a man had built an igloo out of TP, and was looking out from it through a small hole, or is it the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ and God almighty?  Whether or not you see it, your children have an uncanny ability to sense fear in you and the situation you are in.  And they are looking to you as the present and visible authority to bring peace into their lives.  

King David often talked about all his fears. The Psalms reveal many aspects of David's heart, and to who he fled to in times of fear.  And he gives us some thoughts on how we can allow the authority of God to shine through our lives and bring peace to those who look to us.  Psalm 57 gives us an summary of what we need to do.  1. When afraid, flee to the Lord. Verses 1-2. Take refuge in him. The word refuge also means defense.  Ask Him to and let Him defend your home. He will accomplish it for you!   2. Focus on truth,  not on unknown threats. Verses 3-5.  Verse 3 promises that God will send forth His lovingkindness and truth in a world of threats and unknowns. Truth also means faithfulness. He will be faithful no matter what comes your way.  3. Worship Him in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23,24). Verses 7-11  As you genuinely worship Him, the external threats cannot destroy the internal security and peace that is yours through Jesus Christ.  Jesus promised a peace that far exceeds the worlds understanding and which can't be explained.  Don't settle for a peace which can be explained when you can have a peace which can't be explained.   Until next time...