Brothers and Sisters,
The world today seems to struggle against any authority. We are determined to be our own authority. We reject the healing, peace, and security that come from yielding to God’s authority. When we choose to go our own way, we open ourselves to the influences of the world. We are going to allow some authority in our life, whether it be our choosing or by failing to choose. When there is a void in our life, it is usually filled by something. Evil can creep in when we slowly lose our faith and trust in God. When we allow or choose some authority for our life other than God, it can manifest as a lack of hope, lack of love, lack of direction, or a lack of meaning in our lives. The cure for this evil is a faith in God and accepting His authority in our life just as Jesus shows us.
Jesus is the true prophet promised by Moses in the Book of Deuteronomy. We need true prophets. The world still needs prophets, those who live like the future is now. For us disciples, we are to be those prophets, who preach and live Kingdom values. Just like Jesus did. Jesus spoke the truth, there was no division between his words and his life. The challenge for us, as Jesus’ disciples, is to follow his lead, and to proclaim Jesus with authority with words and actions so compelling that they capture the attention and imagination of those who hear us. It all comes from the same characteristics we see in Jesus.
Are we people who practice what we preach? Do we do what we say by living the truth, the truth of Christ in our lives. When we do, we, too, will teach with authority.
God Bless,
Deacon Howard
