Understanding our authority as God’s children is a high priority- so much so that the Old Testament hints at it prophetically. One stunning foreshadowing occurs in the book of Joshua. 

Joshua and the children of Israel were to fight against the five kings of the Amorites and their armies.  God told Joshua ahead of time that he would deliver them into his hands.  Once their enemies realized there were mass casualties and utter defeat was imminent, their five kings went to hide in a cave, fearing for their lives.  Joshua was told where they were.  

The custom of that day was that a conquering king would force the defeated king to lie prostrate before him, face down in the dirt. Then he would place his foot on the back of his enemy’s neck as a sign of conquest. Joshua’s commanders accompanied him to the cave and expected to see him enact this familiar ritual – five times – once for each king.  However, this time, they were surprised when Joshua said, “You come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.”  So the commanders came forward and put their feet on their necks.”  Joshua 10:24  We can see the implications of conferred authority by a higher power.  Instead of Joshua doing it, he had his men carry it out on his behalf and in his place.  

Jesus delegated this authority, too, when he sent out his disciples in pairs – giving them the power to heal the sick and cast out demons in His name.  He repeated this again just before He ascended into heaven – sending them out to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth in His name and in the name of His Father and of His Spirit.  

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.  Matthew 28:18-19

We are not lone rangers recklessly wearing conferred authority and power. We walk in humility, always listening for what to do next. Jesus did nothing without His Father’s nudging, and we do nothing without His.