Unlike power, authority does not work through physical contact but through spoken words. Jesus did not lay hands on those who had demons, but simply spoke to the demons and they left the person’s life.
About half of all the Lord’s recorded miracles took place when he spoke words of command. Authority legitimizes power, and physical contact releases it.
The healing of the nobleman’s son (John 4:46–54) was the second miracle that Jesus did, and, as in the case of the wedding at Cana, only his disciples and those concerned knew of it. It was a miracle of the spoken word, and the miracle took place immediately, thirty miles away.
Metaphysics, or mind dynamics, have nothing to do with miracles of Divine healing, which take place when a spiritual dynamic is at work. The English words dynamic, dynamite, dynasty and dynamo have their origin in the New Testament Greek word “dunamis”. It is translated “power” in the King James Version, and conveys the sense of ability.
Mental or psychological dynamics occur when people do what is expected of them, as in falling down when they are prayed for, and so on. The same people act the same way, Sunday after Sunday, and while it might do them no harm, their behaviour is predictable and so should not be mistaken for the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit.
When people fall down and stay down under the power of God, it’s often because the Spirit of God is doing a deep work of change.
In regard to authority, Jesus taught that we must not add to our words any expression aimed at adding to them any credibility, such as swearing by names or objects regarded as venerated or sacred. Oaths such as “I swear on my mother’s grave!” Any word or name added to a “yes” or a “no” detracts from its authority and the swearer’s integrity.
The Roman centurion recognized that the authority of Jesus was superior to his. When the centurion issued orders, his men obeyed without question. He recognized that the authority of Jesus was far greater than his own. Jesus ordered sickness and death to depart and both obeyed without question. “You do not need to come to my house, but just issue the order and my servant will be healed.” Jesus commended him for his great faith.
The miracles that followed demonstrated the authority of the Lord’s words. The nobleman’s son was healed instantly when Jesus spoke, and it was so. When we speak believing that our words are backed by the authority of Jesus’ Name, we are not just trying to believe but are speaking what we really believe in our hearts. Our words then have the same results as did the words of Jesus.
So, let’s work on having more economy of speech! Fewer words — greater authority; greater authority — more power; more power — instant results!
I have always liked the name “Wordsworth”. I’m not about to change my name to that of the great poet, but I am working at making my words more worthy.