47. The power of Holiness.

The High priest Caiaphas and the Governor Pontius Pilate derived their authority by virtue of the positions they held, which were bestowed upon them by men but Jesus was not part of the establishment and therefore the chief priests and elders questioned his authority. "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?"(Matthew 21:23) His authority was bestowed upon him by God and the power was derived by virtue of his holiness. The demons didn't care to acknowledge the authority of men but they didn't fail to acknowledge the authority of Son of God! On seeing him, they cried out: "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" (Mark 1:24) Demons are not intimidated by the symbolism of human power but fear the power of Holiness! They take note of those who walk in holiness and fear them but not the others, just as the sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest found out to their horror and fled for their lives. 'The evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know and I know about Paul but who are you?"' (Acts 19:15) The power outside the establishment is Holiness and it was unmistakably made known to the rulers of this world. Jesus 'through the Spirit of holiness was declared to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead.'(Romans 1:3-4) Unlike the gods of this world who are known for their vices, there are no dark sides to God. 'God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.'(1 John 1:5) 'Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for its written: "Be Holy because I am Holy."' (1 Peter 1:16) Amen.