A Question of Authority
23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?”
24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?”
They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”
27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. Matthew 21:23-27
-Those who imprison the truth they know in unrighteousness, are justly denied the further truths they enquire after. When we, like the scribes and priests in today’s passage, refuse to submit to the evidence in front of us, we are left with no right to expect further revelation of the truth. Obedience today is the prerequisite for fuller revealed knowledge of the things of God tomorrow.
His eye is on the sparrow 
Those ancient religious leaders were so political in their thinking, always looking to manipulate those around them. They weren’t seeking the truth but only, whatever they could use to project and protect their false image. Our culture today is politicized in the same way, with every factual truth and tragedy reformed into a political football. No wonder we are such a mess…
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Too true Pam. Politics has become the idol of choice for a generation of the “informed” by which they suppress truth. It’s not new, I just never thought I would see it raise it’s head so glaringly in my days on earth. But God is still in control. I just didn’t expect to witness Him working through this ancient battle again.
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The world’s kingdoms must fall before Jesus comes to rule the earth. They will fall by the weight of their sin. Lawlessness must increase…we are living out the Book and yes, God has His fingers tightly laced around all the chaos caused by man’s disobedience. Our redemption is near!:0)
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