GIVEN AUTHORITY
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.
Jesus was telling His disciples and us that He has given us authority. What is authority? In this context, it is talking about power over something or someone (the devil and his demons). The devil, since the Garden of Eden, has had authority over humanity; but Jesus, operating under delegated authority from God, came to restore humanity’s authority over the devil. After Jesus’ resurrection, He said, “All authority is given to me in Heaven and in Earth.” Then, He turned around and said to us to go into all the Earth and then told us what to do. How do we do what He told us to do? We do it with delegated authority. Jesus stripped the devil of his power and dominion over man. So, when we are born again, we are elevated back to our rightful place in God, to rule and reign in this life by one Jesus Christ.
In our verse, we see Jesus using things that would normally cause harm to a human being, snakes and scorpions. The poison they carry can injure and, in some cases, kill. That’s why people are afraid of snakes and scorpions. Jesus likens the devil, often known and manifested as a serpent, to these natural creatures. He then says, “I have given you authority, not just over them, but to trample them. In other words, authority to keep them under our feet, which means we must be seated and stay seated in Christ Jesus for the devil and demons to stay under our feet. No matter what the enemy tries to do, we must know that the devil and all his tricks and devices are under our feet, that we have been given power over whatever the enemy does or tries to do. We have the mighty name of Jesus, and it is our position in Christ, seated at the right hand of God, that causes us to rule and reign in this life. I really like the last thing Jesus said about this, “And nothing will harm you.” That should bring us great confidence, that if we trust what Jesus is saying, obey His Word, and take our place in authority, nothing the devil does will harm us. Nothing! That not only brings great confidence but great peace, so take your authority. It came at a high price, so let’s do some trampling!