Grace Notes // When We Were Kings Part 2

The Responsibility of Carrying Authority

Written by Keli Miller

“One of the greatest tricks of the enemy is to make us believe we are powerless and then watch us wreak havoc with the power we don’t even believe we have.” 

Chris’ words from Sunday are still running through my mind as I process this week's sermon. The enemy’s goal is to make us believe that we have no power and then watch us wreak havoc with the power that we don’t even believe we have.  

We pick up where 1st Kings left off. Elijah is wrapping up his time on the earth, and asks his disciple Elisha what final thing he can do for him before he leaves. And what does Elisha ask for?  A double portion of Elijah’s life. Not just the same amount of authority and ministry but a double blessing of it. This is a bold and eager ask. And a difficult one, according to Elijah, so in wisdom he leaves it up to the Lord and the Lord answers this request. He blesses Elisha with double portions of the same authority that Elijah carried. 

We see the fruit of Elisha’s new authority immediately after when he prophetically speaks life over a body of water, and through this, also brings life to an entire city. We also see Elisha mishandle his new authority and act irresponsibly when taunted by a group of kids. Here we see that because of his authority Elisha can also produce death and destruction. 

In order for Elisha to step into his inheritance, Elijah had to leave. That’s how inheritance works, when someone dies, or leaves us, we are left with an inheritance from them. We are now given what was once theirs to steward. As believers we are all carrying authority in some area of our lives. Jesus came and died so that we could have a rich inheritance. With that inheritance comes the authority of the believer. We know life, and have life, so we can speak and produce life. But if we steward this authority carelessly it can wreak havoc. 

The power to speak life or death is ours. We hold authority and responsibility to the relationships and spaces we occupy. God has entrusted much to you. Do you see it? Your life impacts other’s lives. Whether you recognize what authority you have or not, your life is producing something. Are you producing life and wellness or are you producing death and destruction? 

The enemy wants to tell you that you are a victim and you are powerless to your circumstances, but God speaks a different word. God has made you for more than your circumstances or past wounds. God speaks life where there was once death. 

You are a conqueror, a powerful son/daughter to the Most High. You have a King’s inheritance and authority. 

You have a position in the Kingdom of God and you have a responsibility.

Do you know what it is?

IN THE WORD

2 Kings 2 

Ephesians 1:18-23 

Genesis 1:26-28

PROCESSING

Where have you been given authority and with that responsibility? Name specific places and relationships. 

How have you been stewarding these areas? 

Is there any area that you have had a posture of powerlessness? What does God say about that?