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Understanding Authority Matthew 8:5-13 is a fantastic passage of scripture that lends itself to us, in the 21st century, to understanding the correct biblical meaning and power of authority. Previously, I always understood that leadership was about responsibility. This scripture adds more. Leadership is a tremendous privilege that carries immense responsibility. Before God, leaders carry a responsibility to live righteously and above reproach. Before man, leaders are continuously questioned and assessed. I have always felt the pressure of this responsibility and I actually enjoyed the challenge of not buckling but fulfilling this awesome role that I have in the Body of Christ. However, 18 months ago I began to realise that responsbility goes hand in hand with authority. Authority means more than being in charge; it means more than carrying the buck; it means more than the final say. Authority is a biblical principle that, if outworked alongside responsibility, carries great power and anointing. [Not power from a positional dimension but one of effectiveness]. The Roman Officer in this passage understood that Jesus carried this authority which meant that He was able to speak into a situation and the result would follow. Much of our leadership mindset is about hardwork and a lot of beating around the bush to see the desired result. However if we learn the power of authority, we begin to understand that God has given us the anointing and authority (or right) to speak into situations in order to get the desired result. In fulfilling our responsibility God releases authority. In releasing authority, we possess that governmental aspect which causes things to occur. Like the illustration of the policeman: Any police officer in the centre of a busy crossroad seems to have the power to cause even articulated lorries to stop. The lorry could plough the framework of the officer into the tarmac but the officer carries authority. I am learning that in order to lead effectively we have to grasp hold of our God-given authority and speak into situations. God has placed a mantle of leadership upon us and we are responsible for the people of God. He hasn't left us unequipped. We also need to step into the authority that He has deposited into our lives and take those BIG steps that others would say are unable to be taken. The Roman Officer knew that Jesus carried this authority and thus merely needed to say the 'word' and results would follow. The Roman Officer understood authority because he carried authority. He carried authority because he fulfilled the responsibility given to him by those who had authority over him. The thing I have learnt and am still learning is this: Learning to lead is best done by learning to follow.
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