With identity comes authority.
I get to make decisions over my kids schooling because I am their father.
I have authority to make decisions on behalf of our church, because I am the church’s pastor.
A policeman can literally stop you, ask you questions and even put you in handcuffs and take you away. All because of who they are.
When Jesus changes the identity of Simon to Peter (reed to rock) He also said, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” – (Matthew 16:19).
Keys are a symbol of authority.
You can open and close all you like.
You have access 24/7.
Jesus gives believes authority over sickness, death, the spiritual realm, the Kingdom.
When Jesus sent His 12 disciples out in Luke 9:1, “He gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases”.
He said the same to the 72 (Luke 10).
And if the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20) is relevant to us today, if He is still sending us today, then surely He still sends us with authority.
