Devotions on F.I.R.E. Year TwoSample

By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority? (Matthew 21:23 NKJV).

What is the connection between honoring God's authorities and progressing in your walk with the Lord?

In today’s reading, the chief priests and elders, envious of Jesus' actions, challenge His authority. However, Jesus, in His wisdom, refrains from a direct response. Instead, He counters with a question about the origin of John's baptism. Remember, the religious community rejected John, who had been sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. Jesus says, "The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?" (Matthew 21:25 NKJV). In doing so, Jesus reveals the hard hearts of the religious community that had rejected the authorities God had sent them.

It becomes evident that Jesus, with His divine insight, recognizes that answering their questions is futile unless they repent and acknowledge that John derived his authority from the Father. Just as John's authority came from above, so does Jesus', but He refrains from offering additional revelation to those who failed to honor God's appointed authorities.

This scenario serves as a profound lesson – and also addresses my opening question: Refusing to humble oneself under the mighty hand of God and disregarding His sent authorities can lead to a hardening of the heart and a lack of wisdom.

Employment Point: Honor God’s authorities to progress in your walk with Him.