The scene is so familiar to us that we do not capture the ramifications of what is happening. You are driving and a police officer is standing in the middle of the road directing traffic; a school crossing guard, often an elderly person, causes you to stop to allow children to cross the street; a “flagger” grants you permission to proceed slowly through a work area.

Every one of you have encountered these situations. You follow the instructions given, maybe frustrated because of the inconvenience but you comply to the directions given. Why? because it is a matter of safety. As the driver of a vehicle you certainly have the power to keep moving when told to stop, the truck driver behind the wheel of a 40 ton semi certainly could barrel through any restricted area. The reason we don’t do so centers around one word – Authority. The police officer, crossing guard, flagger, or anyone else directing traffic has been granted the authority to control the traffic flow in order to ensure the safety of everyone. We comply to their authority not only because we would receive a fine if we didn’t but because we know that other lives would be put in danger if we didn’t follow the directions given. The overriding motive for us is to protect others. We would be devastated if our disobedience resulted in causing someone to be hurt or possibly killed. The consequences of our reckless action go far beyond any type of legal ramifications.

Jesus, in one of His final statements to His disciples said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – recorded for us in Matthew’s gospel, chapter twenty-eight, verse eighteen. Jesus is referencing the authority granted to Him by God the Father. His authority is supreme, yet we have been granted the freedom to reject His authority in our lives, ultimately resulting in harm to us and others.

Today as you consider pausing at noon to Bend-A-Knee in prayer may you ask God to help you relinquish control and give Jesus ultimate authority in your life. Imagine if you followed the directions Jesus gave with the same compliance you give to those who direct traffic. The ramifications of granting Jesus ultimate authority in your life will impact you and everyone and every situation you encounter. The next time you are directed to comply to the directions given while you are driving may you be reminded to turn all authority in your life over to Jesus. It may seem inconvenient at times but in-the-long-run the benefits far outweigh any temporary change of plans or direction. Trust Him, He does know what is best for you…!!!

Stay connected to God & to others

God’s Peace,

Pastor Mike