Jurisdictional Authority
Paul spoke in Ephesians 6, about being fully armoured to stand against all the strategies of the devil. He warned us that our battle is not against other people, but against the spiritual hosts of darkness. Paul outlined four realms of darkness which we are up against as children of God. These include rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over this present darkness and the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places. Daniel 10:13 gives us a glimpse into the warfare that takes place in the heavens. The angel advised Daniel that from the first day that he began to pray, his prayer was heard in heaven.
The angel was sent with an answer to Daniel’s prayer. “But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia” (Daniel 10:13). Michael has been described as the chief arcangel in heaven. In Revelations 12, we read about a battle in heaven which was fought by Michael and his angels against satan and his angels. Satan lost the battle and he and his angels were forced to leave heaven. “This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels” (Revelation 12:9).
Jurisdictional authority refers to the power, right and authority to interpret law. This relates to the limits or territory within which authority may be exercised. Who among us, has the right to relegate spiritual authority within the earth? Jesus spoke to Peter about being the rock or foundation, upon which the church would be built. Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against the church. “And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven” (Matthew 16:19).
This scripture outlines to Peter, the disciples and the church, the authority that has been delegated to us in the earth. Whatever we forbid is registered and agreed or endorsed in heaven and also what we allow is also allowed. This permitting and allowing relates to the spiritual forces of darkness and the forces of evil. Paul was clear in his letter to the Ephesians that we are at war against these forces. Like any earthly war, there are rules of engagement and strategies that are used to defeat the enemy. There are weapons used to wage war and there are conditions that make people vulnerable and susceptible to attack.
We cannot simply fold our hands and say that whatever is God’s plan will happen. We have been given the strategies to fight and we are promised victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, who always causes us to triumph. “Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm” (Ephesians 6:13).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
May 19, 2022May 19, 2022
