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Faith Over Authority

Listen first. Then read the words, explore the Scripture pathway, and follow the song beyond itself to Jesus.

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**Verse 1** We live in a world of authority— But what would happen if no one—had authority—over you and me. Would anyone live respectfully— Would anyone answer to scrutiny? Once there was a man of authority— And he knew another—who had a great infirmity— Ohhh—how he was tormented from being paralyzed. **Verse 2** Then the one with authority—realized—Jesus was near—and Jesus is the one—with all authority! And Jesus said, “With you I will go!” But the man said, “Jesus—I surely thought You would know—that You don’t have to go!” “Lord speak! Speak your will! Speak and anyone who now cannot move—will never again be still!” **Chorus** Oh that I had the faith of just this one— This one who knows and has faith that Jesus is even more than God’s Son. Oh that Jesus could say of me—that I am one— Who believes Jesus can only speak—and all that we ask in His name—is done. **Verse 3** In the world—there are many that have authority— They can say, “Go!” And others know—that they must go. And they can say to another, “Go on your way—and those under authority—will surely not stay!” And Jesus said, “Greater than great authority—is the faith anyone has in me.” **Bridge** And Jesus said, “But few have faith in Me anymore or anywhere from east to west. Not many know the words that came from Mine or my Father’s mouth— Not many—from north to south. But when those who know Our word, and have faith every day— they can ask and receive—and go on their way. **Chorus** Oh that I had the faith of just this one— This one who knows and has faith that Jesus is even more than God’s Son. Oh that Jesus could say of me—that I am one— Who believes Jesus can only speak—and all that we ask in His name—is done. **Verse 4** My friend—if you’re among those that reject the narrow way— If you’re found without faith in Jesus—there’s coming a judgment day. And from God’s sight—He will cast all who not believe— forevermore— Ohhhh—my friend—the awful hell for those who don’t believe in Jesus—that is in store. **Tag** Trust in Jesus—trust in Jesus today. Put your faith in Jesus—the rest of your way. For over death and life—Jesus has been given all authority— Believe now in Jesus—and in heaven you will be—for all eternity. ‭‭
Ministry Devotional

Faith Over Authority

Read together: Luke 7:1–10; Matthew 8:5–13; Matthew 28:18–20; John 3:16–18, 36

We live in a world built on authority. Bosses and employees. Officers and citizens. Parents and children. This song asks a provocative question: what would happen if no one had authority over anyone? Would anyone live respectfully? Would anyone answer for their actions? Authority, rightly used, keeps the world from chaos.

Then the song tells the story of a man who understood authority better than most. Read Luke 7:1–10. A Roman centurion—a commander of a hundred soldiers—had a servant he valued who was sick and near death. He sent word asking Jesus to come. But as Jesus approached, the centurion sent friends with a remarkable message: "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one, 'Go,' and he goes."

The centurion understood that Jesus' word carried authority over sickness the same way his own word carried authority over soldiers. Jesus did not need to be physically present. He only needed to speak. Luke tells us Jesus marveled at him and said, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith." The servant was healed that very hour.

What made this man's faith so great? It was not the intensity of his emotions. It was the accuracy of his understanding. He knew who Jesus was. He recognized that Jesus held real authority, and he trusted that authority completely.

The song's chorus longs for that kind of faith: Oh that Jesus could say of me—that I am one who believes Jesus can only speak. That is a worthy prayer. We should be careful, though, not to treat faith as a formula that guarantees any request. Jesus did promise to answer prayers asked in His name (John 14:13–14), but praying in His name means praying in line with His character and will. Faith submits to His authority; it does not try to command it.

Matthew's account adds something sobering. Read Matthew 8:5–13. Jesus said many would come from east and west to feast in the kingdom of heaven, while some who assumed they belonged would be cast out. The song's fourth verse picks up this warning: if you're found without faith in Jesus, there's coming a judgment day. We do not say that lightly. Jesus Himself spoke of judgment more than almost anyone in Scripture. Read John 3:16–18, 36. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever rejects the Son will not see life, but God's wrath remains on him. The same Jesus who offers eternal life is the One with authority to judge.

That is why the song ends with an invitation, not a threat. Trust in Jesus today. After His resurrection, Jesus declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me" (Matthew 28:18). The One with all authority is the One who invites you to come. If He can heal a servant with a word, He can forgive a sinner with a word.

A moment to respond: Read Luke 7:1–10 and notice what the centurion believed about Jesus. Then ask: Where in my life am I treating Jesus as a helper I can manage, rather than a Lord whose word I trust? Bring that area to Him in prayer. If you have never trusted Him, do it today.

Let's pray: Lord Jesus, all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to You. Give us the faith of the centurion—humble, unworthy, and fully confident in Your word. Forgive us for our unbelief. Save those who have not yet trusted You, and teach all of us to submit gladly to Your authority, knowing You are good. Amen.

Our desire at UnrelentingJesus is that you would trust the word of Jesus the way the centurion did—knowing that the One with all authority also loves you enough to save you.

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