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All authority created by Him and for Him

All authority created by Him and for Him

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“For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

In world that is so confused by the misuse and abuse of authority, to have a right understanding of authority is water on parched lips.

God found it pleasing to elevate Christ, that He might have the centrality of our focus and the supremacy of our worship and obedience. Together, with the move of the Holy Spirit, they are preparing the Kingdom of God and drawing all things back to them until the final day of Christ’s return.

And while the poor use of authority is prevalent globally, there is a call for heightened fear of God (honor and respect that draws us in and purifies our motives, not “fear” as in being scared — though who wouldn’t tremble at the presence of a holy being?). Seeing God rightly restores our vision and reminds us of our small place before Him.

Yet God’s goal is not to make us small. It’s to place us into authority and rule rightly, that we might reflect Him better, which ultimately brings Him more glory.

He lifts us up to be used by Him; to fulfill our role as sons and daughters, kings and queens under His lordship.

When we acknowledge that we were called to greatness, to rule and reign with Him, we can begin to step into the places of authority He is preparing us for. And when we walk in obedience in our domain of authority, those around us will be loved well.

Whether as parents, spouses, in business or in worship — when Christ is given the rightful place as Lord of our lives — God is glorified and we quicken the arrival of His Kingdom. Proper authority is restored.

It all starts with God and goes back to God.

Give God Your Best - Photo by Austin Neill on Unsplash

Give God Your Best

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When you bring injured, lame or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?” says the Lord. 14 “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord.Malachi 1:13

In the book of Malachi, God speaks directly to the priests — the holy ones — and condemns them for failing to honor Him. By allowing sacrifices that were less than the best. We live under the new covenant, but that should not be an excuse to not give God your best.

In particular, this message convicts of me of times I’ve been in a worship service and realized that my mind or heart is wandering away from God, while my lips are saying I want to be near Him.

God doesn’t need perfection. His son played that role. But he does desire the pure Gold of our authenticity and our full devotion to Him. I hear the Holy Spirit remind me, “Brian, give God your best. Not the best — you don’t have to compare with others. But bring your best. Offer it all in a spirit of worship, surrender and fear of a God who deserves the best of me. And then, it will be a worthy and pleasing sacrifice in His sight, and you will hear ‘well done, Good and faithful servant!'”

Photo by Austin Neill on Unsplash
Photo by Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash

Looking up when we want to look down

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I was reading Psalms his morning and chapter 55 describes David’s experience of betrayal. In the midst of understandable frustration towards his enemies who had hurt him, he pauses to say,

But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God, as we walked about among the worshipers.” Psalm‬ ‭55:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬https://bible.com/111/psa.55.13-14.niv

You can hear the shock and horror in his voice. There has been a tragedy. It wasn’t my enemies who have wounded me; you would expect that.

Proverbs 27:6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” So there is a time and space for our close friends to tell us the hard truth; and we should be thankful.

But this was different. This was someone near me. A trusted friend. My neighbor in church.

Yet, despite the pain and shock of betrayal, this misfortune is met with a beautiful response. David looked up when he wanted to look down.

As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change— he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.” Psalm‬ ‭55:16-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Where to look

Where does our attention go when we’re hurting?

Most of the time, I get self-centered and focused on the wound. Like a little child who scraped his elbow and wants to show everyone the band-aid, I go in search for attention. See my pain! Validate the hurt!

Or maybe your response is despair. You’ve been shell-shocked so many times in your life that you’ve begun to give up.

Or maybe your response is pride. Betrayal just adds to the heap of burning hatred you feel towards society. It’s one more reason that God should wipe this planet clean again. You take on your own “savior mode” and experience the betrayal as injustice toward’s God’s righteous one.

The pain of betrayal can take on so many different tones of response. And let’s be honest, whichever we choose, we feel validated in the response.

But David models looking up when we want to look down.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm‬ ‭55:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He turns towards God, pointing his mind towards the truth of God’s character.

This is how I long to respond. When I’m hurt, I want my reaction to be: “I was wronged. But my God, who is good, will vindicate me and be my source of hope.”

May I look up when I want to look down.