To decree is to command, ordain, or decide by decree. Jesus exercised this divine authority. Peter was impressed when Jesus cursed the fig tree. Jesus not only decreed an immediate result, but he also prevented a future possibility. That is powerful.
Read about it in Matthew 21:
18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Jesus called the unfruitful fig tree unproductive “presently,” and “henceforth forever.” And then he says if you have faith, you can replicate this operation. And then he adds, “But also if ye shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.”
The believer’s delegated authority is of a supernatural element. In the first case, by speaking in faith, the believer can cause things to stop, and prevent them from reoccurring in the future. Put an end to the matter. Power in perpetuity. That my friend is something to think about. No, it is to be operative in the believer’s life. But wait, there’s more.
In the second case, Jesus brings in another facet of authority.
“But also if ye shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.” I like the But also part. Jesus is generous. He wants us to have all the tools we need for a victorious life. In regards to obstructions in life, hindrances in our walk, mountains of undesired limitations, Jesus says speak to these in faith, “say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea;” and he promises, “It shall be done.”
Jesus concludes the teaching declaring all these things are within the purview of prayer. In verse 22 he states, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” And even here he is still including a whole lot more possibilities. And all things. Whatsoever ye shall ask. And it is all by faith and prayer. Limitless as He is. I do believe the Church, every believer, needs to understand the decreeing prayer.
With the fig tree, the answer was swift. Jesus spoke, it happened. With us there may seem to be a delay. We have an unbelief element to deal with. Our faith may have to be developed. Your authority may be questioned by the opposing forces, especially if you are new at this. It may take time for all associated parties to catch on. Stand your ground. Speak again. Your voice, faith and authority will soon be recognized and respected and obeyed. Continue the exercise until the answer comes. Let it be known you mean business. It shall be done.
In another scripture, Jesus confirms the decreeing prayer. Luke 17:6 states: And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
This provides authority over deep rooted problems in contrast to the majorly visible issues of life referred to as mountains. Removal or uprooting, as the case may require, is possible and is to be expected. Decree it. And it should obey you. -PJF-
Originally published February 16, 2020, and is included in our book titled, On Prayer.
Purpose! Ministries
A Praying Church - A Healing Church - A Holy Spirit Church - A Preaching Church
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