Thursday, March 29, 2012

Respect for Authority

Earlier this week I went to the soon-to-be-defunct Theology Uncorked in Mt. Angel. The topic was conversion of heart, especially in light of Lent. Daniel, a friend in the parish, gave the talk and it was great!

With all due respect to the content of his talk (top notch), the biggest thing I walked away with was nothing he said; it was how he said it. As he was talking, there was no doubt in my mind that he believed every word that he spoke. He was so excited about the truth! Honestly, it’s very refreshing to hear. So often we strip the WORD of His power, forgetting its fire.

In the early days of Theology Uncorked, one of my best friends gave a very interesting talk about the modern “I’m spiritual, not religious” paradigm. One of his best points was that many people that fall into that category are looking for something sincere and genuine. Of course, the paradigm is entirely subjective; it’s impossible to nail down a single cause. Still, I thought he made a really good point.

Both of those Theology Uncorked nuggets brought me to Luke 4:32. “And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority.” The two words that elevate the verse are ‘astonished’ and ‘authority.’ Taken in order of priority, ‘authority’ comes first. That’s what my friend Daniel spoke with, though he was never arrogant, overbearing, or self-absorbed. When the human instrument surrenders to the Truth, the Incarnate Word—stunning things can happen. Jesus, of course, did this perfectly. And the same Holy Spirit that was infused in Him is given to us! The unfettered power of the Word Who IS can astonish, amaze, work miracles, and strike deep into the heart of the listener and speaker.

That is the voice we need to bring to the world.