Luke 10:19 - Power

July 29, 2018

Luke 10:19

NIV - I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

MSG - See what I've given you?  Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy.  No one can put a hand on you.

Luke 10:19 was brought up by Joyce Meyer in her book The Mind Connection where she talks about why our thoughts are important and connected to our actions, and that controlling and directing our thoughts can give a great big boost to our actions.

I looked up 'authority' to see what the difference was from 'power'.  We seem to hear those together in a lot of Bible passages.

Authority is a grant of the right to perform.  Power is the ability to perform that action.

Joyce gives a lot of examples of where I, as a Christian, am already given power and authority to control my world.

I (me, myself) have authority to trample and overcome the power of evil.  Again, I am missing in the Message version the all important word for me, 'authority'. Safe passage is correct but in the NIV I already have the right to create my own safe passage.  I do not have to ask for it.  And last week I grasped the promise that He will instruct me and teach me the way I should go.  Sounds like it is trail blazing time!  Could we add in spiders with the snakes and scorpions?  At least the big ones?

I am a coward. I already know that.  A chicken, a follower, comfortable with hiding.  But that is not what I am being told to do.  Trust.  Listen. Take the Authority.  I am safe.  And He will never ask me to do anything that will harm me or my family.  Trust. Listen. Go.  And I will continue to ask for His counsel and protection.

This week, I am writing the passage on a little piece of paper that can fit in my purse without being folded so I can see the words every time I open my wallet.  I hope it will give me a cheer and a nudge when I am not sure I can/should go on.  This is how I hope to make this be the Living Word for me.

Please share your experience if this verse says something to you, too!

Love to you all!!