The Believer’s Bill of Rights
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God John 1:12 NASB
Right – Here is the Greek word exousian. This word means “permission” or “authority.” The root behind this word carries the meaning of having the power to do something. But in this verse we need to notice carefully that this power or authority is not something that we have in ourselves nor is it something that we can claim as an entitlement. We only receive it as a gift.
Entitlement and rights are very much in vogue today. People and groups who believe that their “rights” are under attack and that they are entitled to fair treatment or special consideration constantly bombard us. But the Bible takes a different view. What we have is given to us as a gift, not as something we deserve or earn. God is gracious enough to provide many gifts to His children, even when we do not appreciate His goodness. So many times we act as though our possessions belong to us because we “earned” them. We often treat life the same way. “I deserve better than this. I worked hard for what I have. It’s mine!” A fundamental component of the American way of life is the assumption of inalienable rights. Whatever the reasoning, entitlement ignores the God who provides everything. We should be reminded of Paul’s warning. God abandoned those who did not acknowledge Him as sovereign and were not grateful for His gifts.
In this verse, John tells us that the most important factor of life cannot be earned and is not a right. Our relationship with God depends entirely on the permission given to us by Yeshua. Without His permission, we are excluded from this relationship. There is no entitlement, only gift. Anyone living in the first century in Israel clearly understood that life depended entirely on the permission of the Emperor (and ultimately, on God). Unfortunately, our democratic thinking has effectively removed us from the reality of life’s fragile existence.
How much of our lives would change if we began each day by asking permission from God to exist in His world? How many of our struggles would disappear if we realized that we are not entitled, only permitted? How would my life change if I put my concern for my “rights” in the hands of God? What if I just concentrated on the one right that I have been given – the right to become His child?
The first prayer of the observant Jew, the prayer said before getting out of bed, begins like this, “I gratefully thank You, living and existing King, for returning my soul within me with compassion. Abundant is Your faithfulness.”* That settles the issue, doesn’t it?
Topical Index: John 1:12, right, permission, authority, exousian
* In Hebrew, Modeh ani lefaneha, melech veka-yam, shehehezarta bee nishmati behemla. Raba emunatecha.
~ But as many as received Him, to them He gave the authority to become children of God ~
(John 1:12)
Amen! All of us (whether Jew or Gentile, male or female) operate “under authority.” Everyone, (even a general) has a boss. (lol!-“You gotta serve somebody!”) Who do you work for? Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun, -let us talk of all His wondrous Love and care!
Hear the story of a soldier: ~ But the centurion replied, ~ LORD, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed ~ (Matthew 8.8)
First, this Roman ruler rightfully called Yeshua HaMashiach – “LORD.” He recognized Jesus (who is the) Christ for who He was and who He is: “LORD.” Step #1
Step #2 ~ I am not worthy to have you come under my roof ~ Humility. ~ God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble ~ How does any man know this? “it is written.” ~ We do err not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God ~
Is humility a “good thing?” (Consider the birth, life, death and resurrection of the Chosen ONE!)
By the way, how much “authority” is in the word of God? – and have not “all” been given “authority” to speak His words?
Revelation 19.13 says this: ~ He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His Name is the Word of God~
The resurrected, living Word of God incarnate (in human flesh) has spoken: “all authority has been given unto Me in Heaven and in Earth.” (Matthew 28.18)
Step #3. Recognition. This “leader” recognized Christ (as a man) was Himself (voluntarily) “under authority.” Christ prayed as a man would pray for He himself became a man to teach us by example “how to pray” and to say- “Father.” And a son (any son) is under the authority of his father.
Step #4. Authority. Wow!- Such authority- such as is not seen on earth- such as is not seen by those who have only experienced the first birth. ~ Only say the word, and my servant will be healed ~. Awesome authority in ONE who is ADONAI – my LORD.
He has promised, (has He ever, even once lied?) “Ask, and you will receive?” Would the LORD of all, our Sovereign Savior hear and answer my prayer? Only speak the word and your servant (me) would be healed? For I too, need to have tHis healing, found in His words of Life. I need Him (moment-by-moment) to say, “This is the Way, walk in it.” Oh, the authority of the Word of God- He spoke and this world, this green planet was created. Just by His speaking.
And we hear the same repeated words, over and over again..- but somehow “miss it..”-
and the word of the LORD came to..
and the word of the LORD came to..
and the word of the LORD came to..
There is no life unless the LORD speaks. There will be no healing unless He speaks the word. What authority is in the Living Logos.
I wondered if He might be capable of healing a nation, but then remembered, (according to what is written)- ~ with God all things are possible.~ Wow!
Never limit the LORD! Is He able?- and is He willing? Yes, He is. “Both.”
~If my people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land ~ (2 Chronicles 7.14)
Good Morning Skip, I couldn’t sleep so I got up and turned on the PC. How did I miss this one? I like that idea of a prayer before even getting out of bed!