Listening to Authority

Steve Melnyk tells of the time he arrived at Augusta a few days early to play some practice rounds prior to the Masters Tournament. On the Saturday afternoon before the tournament, Melnyk received a call from the secretary of Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Clifford Roberts. Like John Arthur Brown, Clifford Roberts was a man that was accustomed to being listened to and obeyed. The secretary asked Melnyk if he would like to join Mrs. Dwight Eisenhower, Jack Nicklaus, and Mr. Roberts for dinner. Melnyk replied that he could not attend due to other plans he’d previously made. Two minutes later, Melnyk’s phone rang again. It was Clifford Roberts. Roberts said to Melnyk, “I’ll meet you in the Trophy Room at 7:00 PM sharp.” Melnyk enjoyed his dinner with three VIP’s that night.

Jesus was a man of authority with a message of authority. The Bible tells us that those around him were amazed because his teaching had authority. But Jesus did not abuse the power that his authority gave him. He often used his authority to deliver hard truths to the religious leaders of his day because they were so far off the mark. But among common people, Jesus communicated his authoritative message with grace and love. His authority came not in the office he held or any position that men may have given him. His authority came from above and he used it to point people to the Father. We should do the same.