All authority on earth comes down from God. He sets up and removes kings and rulers. The best example is Pharoah of Egypt during the time of Moses. At that time those under his authority might have disputed how a loving God could permit such evil to take place against His chosen people Israel. The entire story is one of God’s miraculous deliverance and mercy toward Israel. “It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. For Scripture says to Pharaoh: ‘I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.’ Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.” (Romans 9: 16-18). Through their suffering and God’s deliverance Israel obtained the Promise Land. In 1947, after WWII and the holocaust Israel once again regained their nation in the Promised Land, since 70 AD.

Yeshua said, “But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” (Mark 2: 10). Yeshua is a King. He came to earth to suffer and give His live as a sacrifice for sin. Upon His resurrection He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 18-20). The authority of Yeshua is effected not just by Him, but by those whom He sends forth under His authority and in His name. It’s true with any ruler, they authorize those under authority to carryout the ruler’s purposes. The ruler does not give up authority by authorizing others to act in His behalf.

Yeshua sent out seventy-two disciples with a specific charge which included “Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you…. Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” (Luke 10: 9, 16). “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.’ ” (Luke 10: 17-19). Clearly, the seventy-two were imbued with authority. The charge did not specifically mention that spirits would be subject to them, but healing may have entailed it. 

Our decision today, as disciples of Yeshua is whether we believe He has authority to forgive sins and all it encompasses. Do we rely upon and recognize His authority? Do we believe and accept His charge to us, to forgive and love our enemies and those who despitefully treat us? Do we believe He wants people to be healed and hear about the Kingdom of God and His love? Whatever you are able to believe as a follower of Yeshua regarding purpose, calling, mission, leading, gifting, and more; may the Lord enable blessing, power, and authority for you to carry it out in His name – Yeshua.