Tag Archives: personally

Fear Factors

Do you believe Jesus has the authority to rule over you – personally? Have you given Him that place of honor?

Fear Factors, Fear of Chaos – Need for Authority, Luke, , , , ,

Fear of Chaos – Need for Authority
On Earth – Peace

Scripture: Luke 2:13-14

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

The month of December’s devotionals are based on the five fears that have been universally found in all societies, according to anthropologist Donald Brown. The fear of chaos, that feeling that things and society are out of control… a free-for-all, has caused every society to seek order and organization. It has also made every society studied willing to submit to a leader, surrendering their personal wishes for the trade-off of an orderly community. Every society has had a word for “leader.”

It’s Christmas day, the day we celebrate the coming of God’s son to our world. Announced by a host of angels and honored by the “wisest of men!” The King of kings steps into our world of chaos and becomes our leader. The Gospel of Matthew records Jesus’ obvious authority:

    • Matthew 7:29 – because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
    • Matthew 9:6 – But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” . . . Then he said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home.”

        Of course, God didn’t and doesn’t force us to recognize or surrender to Jesus’ authority. We are free to live in our chaos and run our lives as we choose, without regard for God! Sometimes even those who claim Him as Savior, refuse Him as Lord. The Apostle Peter challenges that with the command: “But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord (1 Peter 3:15). Remember, today we are celebrating the coming of a King…not just a great prophet. Are you making decisions in your life without first checking in with Jesus? Do you believe He has the authority to rule over you – personally? Have you given Him that place of honor?

Father, may my Christmas celebration be crowned with your Lordship over all of my household. You are my Lord – Please rule. In Jesus’ Name, amen.