Shalom,


Today's devotion in Kenneth E. Hagin's Faith Food for Spring begins with Luke 10:19 (ASV):



19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you.


"Authority" here is the Greek word "exousia", which means: power of choice; liberty of doing as one pleases; leave or permission. It also means the power of rule or government. The authority given here is over all the "power" of the enemy. This is the Greek word "dunamis", which means: strength, ability, power. So here the disciples were granted this authority by Jesus. We inherit this authority at the New Birth!  Here is the rest of the devotional for today:


Authority is delegated power. Its value depends on the force behind the user. 

Jesus said, "I have given you authority." Who gave it? Jesus did. Who is Jesus? Jesus is God manifested in the flesh! That means that God said it. Therefore, God said "I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy." (Serpents and scorpions represent demons and evil spirits and the power of the enemy.) 

God Himself is the Power, the Force, behind this authority. The believer who is fully conscious of divine authority can therefore face the enemy without fear or hesitation. 
Behind the authority possessed by the believer is a Power far greater than the power that backs our enemies. And those enemies are compelled to recognize that authority! 

No wonder John says, "Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4). 

Confession: I am a believer. Jesus has given me authority. God has given me authority. God Himself is the Power behind this authority. And this authority God has given me is over all the power of the enemy. 


We have been given the rule of government over all of the strength, ability and power of the enemy. Now we have to USE it! Electricity doesn't do anyone any good unless they plug something into it! Authority doesn't do anyone any good unless they exercise it! Start to see yourself in this light and don't allow anything to keep you from putting it into practice! Amen! Here is an older, but NEVER out of date song by Don Moen called "I Have Given You Authority":

Shalom in Him!