Published 5/28/19
Read Matthew 18:18
Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Reflect
• What did Jesus mean when He said, "whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven"?
• Do you believe we have authority in Jesus' name?
• Can we actually pray with God's power?
Jesus tells us in this verse that we have authority in His name. But it is based on our desire for God's will to be done, not our own wishes. It is God's power that flows through the believer who seeks Him first. We are joining the work of the Spirit that is already in motion. As we desire to align our thoughts and requests with the will of God, our wishes are molded into those of our Lord. In this way, we are participating in God's mighty work of redemption. So, a prayer of binding and loosing should never be entered into casually. It's serious business!
As we call upon with power of the Lord, we must remember that it is for His glory. God's salvation and forgiveness is for everyone. The Holy Spirit moves on behalf of all humans, and as we align with God's will, we too will begin to have more compassion for others. So, asking God to bind or loose the power of the Creator in a particular situation must always be in the best interest of others. We ask for a force to be bound out of a desire for protection, not as a method of revenge. We ask for the power of God to be loosened for the benefit for others, not our own desire to boast. But if we pray that God's will be done, then we get to take part in something powerful and life changing. And this can shape us as much as the person we are praying for.
Pray
Lord, Jesus, You are the one-and-only God--the Creator of everything. Thank you for Your love and blessings. Amen.