A Believer’s Authority –
Preserver of Life!
People are drenched with pain and curses because they either do not know God or someone in their life, such as their parents or their loved ones, did not form a strong spiritual foundation in them to enjoy the life of freedom. In all those cases, believers are the lifelines for them to preserve and protect them so they can enjoy their lives.
Here are two powerful examples:
1) Joseph: Pharoah of Egypt gave a new name to Joseph, Zathnath-Panaeh: “And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath-Paaneah (“Prince of the life of the age”). And he gave him as a wife Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. So Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt” (Genesis 41:45). In a sense, Pharaoh called Joseph “Preserver of his life,” by his wisdom. You too must have heard from people at times, “You saved my life!”
2) Daniel: “To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar (“Preserve his life”); to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego” (Daniel 1:7). Daniel was a preserver of life for Nebuchadnezzar and all the kings he served under.
Let us look at a powerful New Testament Example, Apostle Paul. Paul was the preserver of 276 people on a voyage. Paul was traveling to Rome. He was a blessing to all his sailing mates. Here are the details of how it all happened:
Paul Was Called of God!
God described Paul’s calling to Ananias: “But the Lord said to (Ananias), ‘Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake’” (Acts 9:15-16).
Paul Heard Specifically from God on His Mission!
“Then (the Lord) said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles’” (Acts 22:21).
“But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome’” (Acts 23:11).
“For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed, God has granted you all those who sail with you’” (Acts 27:23-24).
Paul Warned the Crew!
“‘Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.’ Nevertheless, the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 27:10-11).
Paul Heard From God in the Middle of the Storm and Assured His People!
“But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, ‘Men, you should have listened to me and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed, God has granted you all those who sail with you’” (Acts 27:21-24).
Paul Boldly Stated His Position with God!
“Therefore, take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me” (Acts 27:25).
Wisdom – Feasting in the Middle of the Storm!
“And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, ‘Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. Therefore, I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.’ And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat” (Acts 27:33-35).
Safe Landing!
“And so it was that they all escaped safely to land” (Acts 27:44).
Validation of Paul – Escape From Viper’s Bite!
“Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. And the natives (barbarians) showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. So, when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.’ But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god” (Acts 28:1-6).
Protection and Preservation for Those in Godly Fellowship!
The above example of Paul saving 267 souls proves the fact that when we run and belong to those who are running their races in God, we gain protection and preservation guaranteed to them. On the other hand, leaders running away from God will not only be in trouble themselves but also will drag their environment into danger just as Jonah, the prophet of God, did. His confession: “And (Jonah) said to (the mariners), ‘Pick me up and throw (hurl) me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me’” (Jonah 1:12).
Take note that you walk in the authority of God to exercise the privilege of saving your families, loved ones, and all that is committed into your hands. Lot, nephew of Abram, could not save his entire family when the fire fell upon the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Prayer
“Heavenly Father, I thank You for saving me and delivering me by Your grace and love. Help me to stay in Your will, lead a life pleasing to You, and finish my race strongly in You. By Your grace and power, I dedicate myself to saving as many lives as You enable me and protect and preserve all that You have committed into my hands. In the Precious and Wonderful Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. Amen!!”
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John Jeyaseelan
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