What does the Bible say?
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Introduction:
The Heavenly Man in the Gospel of John
The Gospel of John presents Jesus not only as the Son of God, but as a man from heaven. This truth challenges the understanding of every person who encounters him. Each figure in the Gospel responds differently to Jesus’ claim of heavenly origin, and their varied reactions offer insight into our own hearts and questions today.
John the Baptist: Recognizing Heaven’s Authority
John the Baptist had a unique role—he was the forerunner, preparing the way for the Lord. He recognized that Jesus’ origin was not earthly. In John 3:31, he declared, “The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth.” For John, Jesus’ authority came from his heavenly origin. John was content to decrease so that the heavenly man might increase (John 3:30). He did not need to understand everything; he simply knew Jesus came from God.
Nicodemus: Struggling to Understand the Heavenly Birth
Nicodemus was a religious leader, yet he struggled with Jesus’ teachings. When Jesus spoke of being “born again,” Nicodemus asked, “How can someone be born when they are old?” (John 3:4). Jesus replied, “You must be born from above” (John 3:7). The earthly man in Nicodemus could not grasp heavenly things. Jesus said, “I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” (John 3:12). Nicodemus shows us how difficult it is for earthly reasoning to understand heavenly realities.
The Crowd: Conflicted by Earthly Assumptions
In John 6, Jesus calls himself the “bread that came down from heaven.” The crowd murmured, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?” (John 6:42). They could not reconcile the divine with the familiar. Their earthly assumptions about Jesus’ origin blocked them from receiving the heavenly gift he offered. Even though they had seen miracles, their minds remained earthbound.
The Leaders: Resisting the Man from Heaven
The religious leaders were often antagonistic toward Jesus. In John 8:23, Jesus tells them directly, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.” Their rejection of him was not just theological—it was a rejection of heaven itself. Because they were “of this world,” they could not perceive or receive the authority of the heavenly man. Instead of believing, they sought to silence him.
Each response to Jesus—from belief to confusion to rejection—was shaped by whether the person operated from an earthly or heavenly perspective. The question that arises for us is: Are we earthly in our thinking, or are we learning to see Jesus as the heavenly man?
Chapter 1
Bearing the Image of the Heavenly Man
1 Corinthians 15:45
So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.
Paul’s understanding of Jesus as the man from heaven is profound. He identifies Jesus as “the last Adam” and “a life-giving spirit.” Just as Adam gave us physical life, Christ gives spiritual life. The contrast is clear: Adam is dust; Jesus is divine. Paul knew that the natural life comes first, but the goal is transformation into the spiritual—the heavenly.
1 Corinthians 15:46
The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual.
Paul’s own encounter with the risen Christ shaped this view. On the road to Damascus, he met not an earthly teacher, but the glorified Lord from heaven. This encounter forever changed Paul’s understanding. He no longer saw Jesus according to the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:16), but as the life-giving spirit from above.
1 Corinthians 15:47
The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven.
This helps us understand what Paul means when he says, “Just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.” We begin with an earthly nature, but through faith in Christ, we receive the life of heaven within us. This is not postponed until death. As Paul writes elsewhere, we are “being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
1 Corinthians 15:48
As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven.
Jesus told Nicodemus, “You must be born again.” Paul understood that this new birth was the work of the Spirit, changing believers into those who are “of heaven.” The influence of heaven enters the believer’s life now—through the Spirit, through faith, and through obedience.
1 Corinthians 15:49
And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.
In the next chapters, we will explore how this heavenly transformation touches every part of our being—our minds, our relationships, and even our physical lives. Heaven is not merely a future destination; it is a present reality for those in Christ.
Chapter 2
Two Fathers, Two Roles
Luke 2:41–52 (NIV)
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.
When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom.
After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.
Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day.
Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.
When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.
After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.
When his parents saw him, they were astonished.
His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this?
Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked.
“Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them.
But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
The Role of Joseph, His Earthly Father
In this story, Joseph’s role is evident. He is a faithful father, leading his family to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. Joseph is concerned when Jesus goes missing, searching for him anxiously. As an earthly father, Joseph provided care, protection, and guidance. He was responsible for Jesus’ upbringing in the traditions of Israel. In this way, Joseph shaped Jesus’ natural growth—his understanding of family, community, and the customs of the law.
The Role of the Heavenly Father
But Jesus knew he had another Father. When Mary asked why he stayed behind, Jesus replied, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). Here, Jesus reveals that his highest loyalty is to his heavenly Father. At just twelve years old, he was already aware of his unique identity as the Son of God. The temple—his Father’s house—was where he felt most at home, where his heavenly purpose was unfolding.
Moving from the Influence of Earthly to Heavenly
This story shows how Jesus was moving from the authority of an earthly father to the authority of the heavenly Father. Joseph taught him the ways of Israel, but the heavenly Father would reveal the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Jesus honored Joseph by returning to Nazareth and submitting to him. Yet his true mission and identity were rooted in his heavenly Father’s call.
This journey of moving from earthly to heavenly influence is a pattern for us as well. We honor our earthly roots—our families, cultures, and traditions—but we are called to live as children of God, shaped by his heavenly will. Like Jesus, we must grow in wisdom and in favor with God and people, listening for the voice of our Father in heaven.
The Example for Us
For us as believers, this story is more than a childhood memory of Jesus. It is an invitation.
It reminds us that we, too, have two fathers in our lives—one of this earth and one who is in heaven. The natural influence of our upbringing can be good and necessary, but it is never the final authority. The call of our heavenly Father is always greater, drawing us to a higher purpose and deeper identity.
Just as Jesus’ understanding grew and he submitted to both fathers, we, too, are to live in obedience to our heavenly Father’s voice—learning to recognize his house, his presence, and his purpose for us here and now.
Looking Ahead
In the next chapters, we will continue to explore how this heavenly influence shapes every part of our lives: how we think, how we love, and how we live daily. Heaven is not far away—it is the home of our Father, who invites us to dwell in his house even as we walk this earthly path.
Chapter 3
When Earthly Eyes Block Heavenly Power
Mark 6:1–5 (NIV)
Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.
When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.
“Where did this man get these things?” they asked.
“What’s this wisdom that has been given him?
What are these remarkable miracles he is performing?
Isn’t this the carpenter?
Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon?
Aren’t his sisters here with us?”
And they took offense at him.
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”
He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.
The Power of Perspective
In this story, we see how earthly perspective limits the heavenly power of God. The people of Nazareth had known Jesus since he was a boy. They saw him as “the carpenter,” the son of Mary, a familiar face in their community. Their natural view of him was accurate, but it was incomplete. They knew his earthly family and upbringing, but they did not recognize the divine origin of his ministry.
The Questions of Earthly Thinking
The questions they asked—“Where did this man get these things?
What’s this wisdom?”—show a mix of amazement and doubt. They could not deny the power of his words or the reality of his miracles. Yet they could not move past the earthly categories in their minds. They were stuck in what they knew of Jesus’ human life. This tension—between what they had seen and what they refused to believe—kept them from receiving the fullness of what Jesus carried.
The Offense of Familiarity
Instead of opening their hearts to the heavenly gift, they “took offense at him.”
Familiarity breeds contempt when the mind refuses to see the divine in the familiar.
Their familiarity with Jesus’ earthly identity created a stumbling block.
Jesus said, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.”
Even though he carried the life of heaven, their earthly minds could not see past the carpenter’s son.
A Missed Opportunity for Heaven’s Power
The result was tragic: “He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.” Their unbelief shut down the flow of heaven’s power. Jesus’ ability to heal was not limited by his own power, but by their hearts’ unwillingness to see him as the heavenly man, not just the earthly son of Mary.
How Could They Have Received More?
How could the people of Nazareth have received at the highest level? They needed to shift their minds from the earthly to the heavenly. Instead of seeing only the carpenter’s son, they needed to see the Son of God. This would have required humility—a willingness to say, “We thought we knew him, but there is something more here, something divine.” It would have required a heart open to mystery, to the possibility that the familiar boy they watched grow up was also the life-giving spirit from above.
This is the same shift every believer is invited to make. We often see things through earthly eyes—our own limitations, our own history, and the past we know. But to receive at the highest level, we must let heaven’s perspective change us. We must see Jesus not as a distant figure of history or a wise teacher, but as the heavenly man who brings divine life here and now.
The Call to Honor the Heavenly
Honoring the heavenly man means opening our hearts beyond what is familiar. It means believing that God can work through what seems ordinary and natural. When we honor the presence of heaven in Jesus—and in his body, the Church—we unlock the flow of God’s power and life. Like the few in Nazareth who were healed, those who see him as he truly is will receive the miracle-working life of the heavenly man.
Chapter 4
Recognizing the Heavenly Gift
John 4:1–42 (NIV)
The Earthly Perception: A Tired Traveler at the Well
When Jesus arrived at the well in Sychar, he appeared to the Samaritan woman as a tired, thirsty man. He sat, weary from his journey, asking her for a drink. She saw only a man who, as a Jew, should not even have spoken to her, a Samaritan woman. Her first response was shaped by social barriers and natural assumptions. She could not imagine that this weary traveler was the one who could give her living water from heaven.
A Progressive Revelation
But Jesus patiently drew her beyond her earthly view. When he spoke of living water, she still thought in physical terms: “You have nothing to draw with.” Yet her curiosity was stirred. Jesus then revealed her personal history—five husbands and a life marked by searching. Suddenly, she recognized that this man was more than an ordinary traveler. She said, “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet.” Her mind began to open to the possibility that heaven was speaking to her through this man.
Then came the climactic moment. The woman spoke of the coming Messiah. Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” Her heart moved from confusion to conviction. She realized she was speaking not just with a prophet, but with the very source of living water, the heavenly man sent from God.
A Village Stirred by a Personal Revelation
She ran back to her village, no longer concerned with her own reputation. Her testimony was simple and honest: “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” Her personal revelation was enough to stir curiosity in the village. They came out to see for themselves.
What a contrast to Jesus’ hometown! In Nazareth, the people were offended by Jesus’ familiarity. They thought they knew all there was to know about him. They let their earthly view blind them to the heavenly gift in their midst. But here in Samaria, the woman and her neighbors were willing to let go of their assumptions and let heaven speak.
A Village That Chose to See Beyond the Earthly
The Samaritans invited Jesus to stay. They listened to his words. And many believed, not just because of the woman’s testimony, but because they encountered him personally: “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
Their hearts were humble and open. They let the Spirit of God reveal who Jesus truly was. They received him as more than a Jewish rabbi or a weary traveler—they received him as the heavenly man, the Savior sent from God. And the flow of heavenly life was unhindered.
How to Receive the Heavenly Man
The story of the Samaritan woman and her village teaches us how to receive at the highest level. It calls us to:
Lay down natural assumptions and social barriers.
Let the testimony of others stir our curiosity about Jesus.
Seek a personal revelation—come and hear him ourselves.
Let heaven’s perspective replace earthly thinking.
When we honor Jesus as the heavenly man, not just as an earthly teacher or healer, we unlock the full power of his kingdom in our lives.
A Contrast of Reception
Nazareth saw only the carpenter, and their earthly perspective shut the door to miracles. The Samaritans saw the heavenly man in their midst, and their faith opened the floodgates of living water. Today, we too must choose: Will we let earthly familiarity limit our vision, or will we honor Jesus as the one from above, sent to transform us and fill us with living water?
Chapter 5
Waking the Heavenly Man in the Storm
Matthew 8:23–27 (NIV)
The Earthly Turmoil: A Storm That Threatened to Swallow Them
The disciples found themselves in a sudden and violent storm. The winds howled, the waves crashed over the boat, and water poured in faster than they could bail. Their hearts were filled with fear. They were seasoned fishermen, but this was no ordinary storm—this was a battle for survival in the earthly realm.
The Heavenly Calm: A Sleeping Savior
While the disciples panicked, Jesus was asleep. He lay resting on a cushion, untouched by the turmoil around him. How could he sleep through such chaos? Because he was not just an earthly man subject to the forces of nature—he was the heavenly man, who lived in perfect peace above every storm.
A Cry for Help: Waking the Authority of Heaven
In desperation, the disciples woke him. “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” They recognized that Jesus was their only hope, but they still did not see the fullness of who he was. Their plea was shaped by panic rather than faith.
Jesus’ response cut through their fear: “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” He was not just rebuking their fear—he was inviting them to see beyond the earthly crisis. He was calling them to recognize that in him, heaven’s authority was present, even in the midst of the storm.
The Heavenly Command: Authority Over the Earthly Realm
Then Jesus stood and spoke—not to the disciples, but to the storm itself. With a heavenly authority, he rebuked the winds and the waves, and the sea became completely calm. In that instant, the storm that had terrified them bowed to the command of the heavenly man.
The disciples were amazed. They had seen healings and miracles, but this was different. This was authority over the very elements of creation. They asked each other in awe: “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
A Revelation of the Heavenly Man
The storm revealed what their hearts had not yet fully seen: Jesus was not just a gifted teacher or a miracle worker—he was the Lord of creation. He was the one from heaven who carried the power of heaven within him. Earthly storms, no matter how fierce, had no claim over him.
The disciples’ question, “What kind of man is this?” was the beginning of a new understanding. Each storm, each miracle, each moment of wonder was designed to awaken their hearts to the truth: that the heavenly man walked among them, carrying divine authority and peace that no earthly force could overcome.
Lessons for Us: Waking the Heavenly Man Within
Storms still come in our lives—earthly trials that shake us to the core. But like the disciples, we are invited to wake the heavenly man within us. Jesus lives in us by his Spirit, and his authority is greater than every earthly storm. His peace is deeper than every fear.
When we call on him—not in panic, but in faith—we awaken his power in our lives. We learn to see every storm as an opportunity to recognize who he truly is: the Lord of all creation, the heavenly man who brings calm to our chaos.
A Contrast to Familiarity
Unlike those in Nazareth who saw only an earthly carpenter, the disciples were beginning to see the heavenly man in their midst. The more they recognized him, the more his heavenly authority was revealed. The same is true for us today: the more we honor him as the one sent from heaven, the more we see his power at work in our lives.
Chapter 6
Stepping Out of the Boat – Walking in the Heavenly Influence
Matthew 14:22–33 (NIV)
The Disciples and the Night Wind
The disciples were battered by the wind and waves, alone in the darkness of night. It was a picture of earthly struggle: human strength, human fear, and a boat that seemed all too small against the forces of nature. In that moment, they were still thinking like earthly men.
The Heavenly Man Walks on Water
Then, out of the darkness, Jesus came walking on the water. He was no longer just calming the sea from within the boat; he was mastering it from above. Heaven’s authority was on full display. This was no earthly feat—this was a heavenly reality breaking through. And the disciples, bound by the natural world, were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they cried.
An Invitation to Step into the Heavenly Realm
Jesus called out to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Peter, always the one to act first, responded with a bold request: “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.”
With one word, Jesus opened the doorway to the heavenly realm: “Come.”
Peter stepped out of the boat and onto the water. In that moment, he was no longer bound by earthly limitations. His faith lifted him into the same heavenly influence that Jesus walked in. He took step after step, eyes fixed on the Lord.
Returning to Earthly Influence
But then Peter saw the wind and the waves. His focus shifted from the heavenly man to the earthly storm. Fear crept in, and he began to sink. This is the pattern we so often face: one moment we walk in heavenly authority, and the next, we slip back into earthly fear. Jesus immediately reached out and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
The Worship of the Boat
As soon as Jesus and Peter climbed into the boat, the wind died down. The disciples were left in awe. For the first time, they worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” It was no longer just amazement at miracles—it was a confession of his heavenly identity. They had seen a man who walked on water and invited another to do the same. Now they knew he was the heavenly man, the Son of God.
One Man’s Boldness
Peter’s willingness to take a risk must have astonished the other men in the boat. They saw him rise above what was natural, even if just for a moment. One man’s bold step became a testimony of what is possible when we believe.
What Could Peter Have Done Differently?
Should Peter have stayed quiet and safe in the boat? No! His boldness gave him a taste of heavenly authority. He saw that with Jesus, earthly laws bend to heavenly power.
But he also learned that his faith needed to be unwavering. When he looked at the wind instead of Jesus, his faith faltered. If Peter had kept his eyes on the Lord, he would have walked further, unhindered by earthly forces. The lesson is not to stay silent but to keep our gaze on the heavenly man who calls us forward.
Living in the Heavenly Influence
We, too, are invited to step out of the boat and live under the influence of heaven. The storms of life will always swirl around us, but the one from heaven has already mastered them. His invitation to us is simple: “Come.” As long as we keep our eyes on him, we will walk in his authority and peace—even when the winds howl and the waves rise.
A Call to Worship and Faith
Let the boldness of Peter inspire us. Let the worship of the disciples anchor us. Let the authority of Jesus compel us to walk above the storms of this earthly life, holding fast to the truth: that the heavenly man is with us, and with him, nothing is impossible.
Chapter 7
The Authority of Heaven – Seeing Beyond Earthly Power
Luke 10:17–21 (NIV)
A Joyful Return
The seventy-two disciples returned from their mission filled with excitement. They had seen the power of God at work—demons had fled in the name of Jesus! Their earthly mission had revealed a heavenly authority that was flowing through them.
Jesus Reveals a Deeper Truth
But Jesus’ response drew their focus away from the spectacle of earthly power.
“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven,” he said.
In this single sentence, Jesus showed them the contrast between heavenly authority and the authority of those who have fallen. Satan, though he once stood in heavenly places, had lost his authority through rebellion and pride. His fall was swift and final.
The Authority of the Risen
By contrast, those who are raised up to heaven—who live with their names written in heaven—carry true authority. Jesus told the disciples, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” This was not an earthly authority earned through status or might. It was heavenly authority given by the Son of God to those who walk in alignment with heaven’s order.
Rejoicing in Heaven’s Record
Jesus cautioned them, “Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Earthly victories can make us feel powerful, but true power lies in knowing that our identity is rooted in heaven. When we are conscious of heaven—aware of where we belong—our authority on earth is secure and unshakable.
The Power of a Heavenly Mindset
The more conscious we are of heaven’s reality, the more we carry heaven’s authority. Those who live in the awareness of their heavenly citizenship walk in a confidence and boldness that earthly power cannot touch. They are free from the fear of earthly opposition, because they know their true position—seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
Revealed to the Humble
Jesus’ joy overflowed as he praised his Father: “You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” The truths of heaven are not found through human reasoning or status, but through humility and childlike faith. Those who are willing to see with the eyes of the Spirit are the ones who grasp the mysteries of God’s kingdom.
Blessed Eyes and Hearing Hearts
Jesus also declared to his disciples in another place, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see.” Eyes that see the heavenly truths—eyes that see beyond the natural world—are truly blessed. To live in the revelation of the kingdom is to live above the schemes of the enemy and the illusions of earthly power.
Walking in Heaven’s Authority
As we walk through the storms of this world, let us remember:
- Authority comes not from earthly position but from heavenly placement.
- Satan fell because he chose pride and rebellion; but we are raised because of Christ’s victory and our humility in him.
- The greatest source of joy is not power over demons or earthly success, but the eternal security of our names written in heaven.
A Call to Fix Our Gaze on Heaven
If you find your authority faltering or your faith weakened, remember where your name is written. Let your mind be renewed in the consciousness of heaven. There, in that place of heavenly light, you will find the power to overcome every earthly battle. Your eyes will be blessed, your steps will be firm, and your heart will know the unshakable joy of the kingdom of God.
Chapter 8
Heaven’s Revelation and Earth’s Keys
Matthew 16:13–20 (NIV)
Who Do You Say I Am?
Jesus gathered his disciples near Caesarea Philippi and asked them a question that echoed across time: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” The disciples gave him the answers they’d heard in the crowd. Some thought Jesus was John the Baptist come back to life. Others believed he was Elijah, or Jeremiah, or another prophet—someone earthly, yet anointed.
The crowd recognized a spiritual power in Jesus, but they did not see who he truly was. They saw an earthly man with a spiritual gift, but missed the heavenly identity.
Peter’s Heavenly Insight
Then Jesus asked his disciples directly, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter’s reply rose from a place far above human reasoning: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus declared that this knowledge did not come from earthly minds. It was not the product of learning or tradition. It was a revelation from the Father in heaven. In that moment, Peter was not limited by the crowd’s opinions. He saw into the heart of heaven, and the Father revealed to him the eternal truth of who Jesus is.
An Authority Upgrade
Because Peter’s eyes were lifted to heaven, he received an upgrade in spiritual authority. Jesus said, “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” This “rock” was not Peter’s humanity but the heavenly revelation he carried—the knowledge of Jesus’ divine identity. Heaven’s authority would be anchored in those who saw beyond the earth.
The Keys of Heaven
Then Jesus promised, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” These words hold a mystery and a power that Christians have wrestled with for centuries. Here are three common ways this promise has been interpreted:
- Authority to Forgive and Retain Sins
In some churches, “binding and loosing” is linked to the authority to forgive sins or to hold people accountable. This view sees the keys as the stewardship of spiritual community and discipline—like the work of elders and leaders to protect and purify the body of Christ. - Spiritual Warfare and Prayer
Others see it as authority in spiritual warfare: the power to bind demonic activity and loose heavenly freedom in people’s lives. It’s the call to declare God’s will and oppose darkness wherever it tries to prevail. - Proclamation of Heaven’s Truths
A third interpretation focuses on proclaiming the gospel and the teachings of Christ. Here, “binding and loosing” means to declare what heaven has already declared—to speak and teach what heaven has made known, and to walk in the heavenly authority that comes from alignment with God’s Word.
A Call to Live in Heavenly Consciousness
Peter’s bold confession teaches us a vital lesson: earthly opinions can never reveal the true identity of Jesus. Only when we lift our hearts to heaven and receive revelation by the Spirit do we truly see who he is. In that moment of heavenly consciousness, our authority on earth is unlocked.
When we know Jesus as the Son of the living God—when we see him with eyes opened by heaven—we can bind and loose, speak life and truth, and walk with keys of divine authority in every situation.
Encouragement
Where are your eyes fixed today?
If you find your authority shaken or your faith unsure, remember: your power does not come from earthly knowledge but from heavenly revelation.
When your mind is conscious of heaven, you will walk in the same authority that Peter walked in—the authority of the keys of the kingdom, the power to unlock heaven’s will on earth.
Chapter 9
When Authority Changes Hands
In the spiritual realm, Jesus said:
“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (Luke 10:18 NIV)
He saw a shift of power: the enemy fell, and new authority was given to his followers.
In the days of Esther,
we see a similar earthly story,
a shadow of this heavenly truth,
when Haman fell and Mordecai was raised up.
The Fall of Haman
Haman had been elevated by the king to the highest seat of honor:
“The king took his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.” (Esther 3:10 NIV)
But pride led to Haman’s downfall:
“So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided.” (Esther 7:10 NIV)
Haman’s authority was stripped from him, just as the authority of Satan was removed in heaven. When pride and cruelty fill a person’s heart, their fall is inevitable.
The Rise of Mordecai
Then the king took the authority Haman once held and gave it to Mordecai:
“That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman… And Mordecai came into the presence of the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her.” (Esther 8:1 NIV)
“The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai.” (Esther 8:2 NIV)
Mordecai was clothed with royal garments, and honored in the city:
“Mordecai left the king’s presence wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen.
And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration.”
(Esther 8:15 NIV)
A New Estate and a New Name
What was once Haman’s estate was now Mordecai’s:
“Esther appointed him over Haman’s estate.” (Esther 8:2 NIV)
Mordecai’s faithfulness was rewarded with authority and a new place in the kingdom—just as Jesus told his disciples to rejoice not only that demons submit to them but that their names are written in heaven:
“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20 NIV)
Reversing the Enemy’s Decree
Mordecai didn’t just sit in his new estate; he used his authority to protect and deliver his people:
“Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes… The Jews in every city had the right to assemble and protect themselves.” (Esther 8:10-11 NIV)
He reversed Haman’s evil decree, just as believers today are called to reverse the works of darkness with the authority given by Jesus.
A Heavenly Parallel
Haman’s fall and Mordecai’s rise on earth echo what happened in the heavenly realm. Authority shifts. Honor is given to the humble.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10 NIV)
Mordecai received not only Haman’s house but also the trust of the king—and he used that heavenly-inspired authority to bring life and peace.
Reflection: Walking in Authority
Mordecai’s story is a mirror of what Jesus said to his followers:
“I have given you authority… to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:19 NIV)
Just as Mordecai stepped up to act in the king’s name, so must we step into our new identity and spiritual estate.
- Have you recognized the authority Jesus has given you?
- Will you use it to bring light and peace in a world that has chosen earthly power?
- Let Mordecai’s story remind you that when the enemy’s seat is vacated, God is quick to fill it with those who carry His heavenly authority!
Chapter 10
A Closer Look at How Authority Works
The story of Haman and Mordecai begins in Esther 3 with a lesson about how authority can be given, misused, and challenged.
“After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles.”
—Esther 3:1 (NIV)
Authority Can Be Given by Earthly Rulers
We see that authority is often given by those in power—King Xerxes honored Haman, giving him a seat of authority. In the same way, many people receive earthly authority from governments, businesses, or family positions. But not all authority is good; Haman used his new power for evil, to destroy and manipulate.
Authority Comes with Influence
Because of his elevated position, Haman was able to control people’s behavior:
“All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.”
—Esther 3:2 (NIV)
Authority gives influence—Haman expected respect and obedience. But Mordecai understood that true authority must be anchored in truth and justice. He refused to bow down to a man who opposed God’s people.
Earthly Authority Can Be Abused
Haman’s pride was wounded when Mordecai did not bow:
“When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged.”
—Esther 3:5 (NIV)
Instead of using his power for good, Haman used it to plot against the innocent:
“Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.”
—Esther 3:6 (NIV)
This is a sobering truth: earthly authority can be used for evil. Like Haman, people in power can become corrupt when pride and anger fill their hearts.
How Heaven Sees Authority
Even though Haman had earthly power, his authority was not from heaven. True authority must align with God’s justice and righteousness. Mordecai stood firm because he served a higher authority—the King of heaven.
We see this principle in the teachings of Jesus:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
—Matthew 28:18 (NIV)
Heaven’s authority flows from the King of kings, and it is used to bless and to set people free—not to oppress.
Standing Firm Under Earthly Pressure
Mordecai’s refusal to bow was not rebellion, but a refusal to submit to unrighteous authority. He was faithful to a higher kingdom.
In our lives, we might face “Haman-like” pressures—commands that go against God’s ways. Like Mordecai, we must stand firm. Our first loyalty is to Jesus, the true King.
Reflection: Recognizing Real Authority
- Earthly authority can be given by people—but heavenly authority comes from God alone.
- Earthly authority can be misused—but heavenly authority is always used to bring life.
- Earthly authority can intimidate—but heavenly authority calls for courage.
Are you facing a situation where someone is misusing authority? Are you tempted to bow to pressure rather than to God’s truth? Let the story of Mordecai remind you that heaven’s authority always outlasts earthly power.
Lord, help me recognize true authority and reject anything that does not align with Your kingdom. Give me courage to stand firm like Mordecai and to use any influence I have to bring justice and mercy. Amen.
Chapter 11
The Downfall of Haman and the Rise of Mordecai
When earthly authority is misused, it often leads to destruction. Haman’s pride and rage set him on a path to ruin, but Mordecai’s faithfulness opened the door for heavenly justice to be revealed.
Haman’s Plot and Mordecai’s Courage
Haman’s anger was so great that he convinced King Xerxes to issue a decree to kill all the Jews:
“Then Haman said to King Xerxes, ‘There is a certain people dispersed among the peoples… whose customs are different from those of all other people… it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them.’”
—Esther 3:8 (NIV)
Yet Mordecai did not waver. He knew that even though Haman had the king’s signet ring, the ultimate authority belonged to God. Mordecai mourned and sought God’s help through fasting and prayer (Esther 4:1–3).
Heaven’s Authority at Work
God began to move in the background. Even the king’s sleepless night in Esther 6 was a sign that heaven’s authority was starting to overturn Haman’s plans.
“That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him.”
—Esther 6:1 (NIV)
In those records, the king was reminded of Mordecai’s earlier faithfulness in exposing an assassination plot (Esther 2:21–23). Suddenly, the earthly authority of Haman was about to be reversed.
Haman’s Fall and Mordecai’s Rise
In a striking twist, Haman had to honor Mordecai publicly:
“So Haman got the robe and the horse. He robed Mordecai and led him on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!’”
—Esther 6:11 (NIV)
Haman’s pride led to his downfall. The gallows he built for Mordecai became his own grave (Esther 7:9–10). Authority that is rooted in pride and hatred cannot last. Only the authority that flows from heaven—rooted in justice, truth, and humility—will stand.
Mordecai’s Promotion and the Blessing of Authority
After Haman’s death, the king gave Haman’s estate to Queen Esther, and she appointed Mordecai over it:
“That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman… and Mordecai came into the presence of the king, for Esther had told how he was related to her.”
—Esther 8:1 (NIV)
Mordecai was given the signet ring—the symbol of royal authority:
“The king took off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai.”
—Esther 8:2 (NIV)
Finally, Mordecai used this authority to protect the Jewish people and to write a new decree that saved them (Esther 8:9–14).
How Authority Works in God’s Kingdom
- True authority is given to those who honor God and serve others.
- Earthly authority can be reversed in a moment when God steps in.
- When we stand faithful like Mordecai, we open the door for heavenly justice to prevail.
A House of Honor
Just as Mordecai was given Haman’s estate, God wants to give His faithful children a “new estate” of influence and blessing:
“The king gave Queen Esther the estate of Haman… and Mordecai came into the presence of the king.”
—Esther 8:1 (NIV)
When we walk in humility and faithfulness, God can trust us with greater influence—an estate that we will steward with wisdom and love.
Reflection and Encouragement
- Are you facing an unfair or abusive authority? Remember: God can turn the tables in an instant.
- Are you longing to see justice and truth prevail? Stand faithful like Mordecai.
- God’s authority always brings life, not death—peace, not fear—hope, not despair.
Heaven’s authority is different from earthly power. It cannot be bought or manipulated; it is given by the King of kings. Let’s walk in that authority today!
Lord, help me to walk in the authority that comes from You alone. Teach me to honor Your ways, to stand firm like Mordecai, and to trust that You are able to overturn every earthly plot against Your people. Amen.
Chapter 12
The Establishment of Peace and Joy
When God gives authority to His faithful servants, it brings not only protection but also peace and joy. In the story of Esther, we see how Mordecai’s new authority was used to save lives and bring celebration to a people who were once under a death sentence.
The New Decree of Life
Mordecai’s authority was not for himself alone—it was for the blessing and deliverance of others.
“Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes, sealed the dispatches with the king’s signet ring, and sent them… granting the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves.”
—Esther 8:10–11 (NIV)
Where Haman’s decree had been death, Mordecai’s decree was life. This is a powerful picture of how God’s authority works—it brings life, freedom, and hope!
The Joy of the Righteous
When Mordecai’s decree was read, joy began to spread:
“For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.”
—Esther 8:16 (NIV)
And even in other nations, the fear of the Jews fell upon many:
“And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.”
—Esther 8:17 (NIV)
When God’s authority is established, it brings a wave of joy, unity, and even a testimony that causes others to turn to the Lord.
The Triumph of Heaven’s Authority
The final victory came when the Jews defended themselves and overcame their enemies:
“The Jews struck down all their enemies with the sword,
and they did what they pleased to those who hated them.”
—Esther 9:5 (NIV)
Even though this part of the story involves judgment, it points to a bigger truth: when God’s kingdom comes, every power of darkness must bow.
The Feast of Purim
After the victory, Mordecai and Queen Esther established a time of celebration—the Feast of Purim:
“Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters… that they should celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar.”
—Esther 9:20–21 (NIV)
“He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.”
—Esther 9:22 (NIV)
Heaven’s authority brings celebration! What began as mourning turned into feasting—a sign that God’s power always has the final word.
Lessons for Us Today
- God’s Authority Brings Joy and Justice – Earthly rulers may try to oppress, but when God’s authority is established, there is peace and gladness.
- True Authority Defends and Protects – Mordecai’s decree was not to harm but to protect God’s people, just as the gospel of Jesus Christ sets us free.
- Heaven’s Authority is Generous – Purim included gifts to the poor, showing that true authority cares for the needy and lifts others up.
Walking in the Joy of Heaven’s Authority
We may face seasons of fear, like the Jews did, but God can turn it into feasting. We can live with the confidence that the King of Heaven has given us a new decree of life—through Jesus Christ!
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
—Romans 14:17 (NIV)
Reflection and Prayer
- Are there areas in your life where you feel oppressed or fearful?
- Like Mordecai, let’s stand in the authority of God’s promises.
- Let God’s joy and peace fill your heart—He has written a new decree over your life!
Lord, thank You that You have turned my mourning into dancing, and my fear into faith. May Your authority of life and joy reign in every part of my life, and may it overflow to bring life to those around me. Amen.
Chapter 13
A Heavenly Identity, An Earthly Impact
Mordecai’s story didn’t end at the palace gate. It ended in the throne room of an empire—because he lived from a heavenly identity, not just an earthly one.
“Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews…”
—Esther 10:3 (NIV)
This wasn’t just about Mordecai’s name being on a scroll or his seat at the table of power. Mordecai was living from a new perspective—a perspective that came from being lifted up by the King. Like Mordecai, Peter in Acts also learned what it meant to live from a heavenly perspective.
Heavenly Identity Brings Earthly Authority
When Peter stood at the temple gate called Beautiful, he wasn’t standing there with just earthly authority or earthly resources. He was standing there as a man whose name was written in heaven (Luke 10:20), and whose authority came from the One who had been raised from the dead.
“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
—Acts 3:6 (NIV)
Peter had learned that the power to change earthly circumstances—like the lame man’s lifelong sickness—came from living with a heavenly perspective.
Authority to Unlock What Has Been Bound
Peter was there on the day Jesus said:
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven…”
—Matthew 16:19 (NIV)
Heavenly keys unlock earthly doors. Peter used those keys at the Beautiful Gate. Mordecai used them when he spoke up to the king. Both understood that authority isn’t about personal gain; it’s about lifting others out of their earthly prisons and into God’s purposes.
From Mordecai to Peter: A Shared Pattern
- The heavenly identity was revealed—Mordecai, a Jew in exile, became second to the king. Peter, a fisherman, became an apostle of Christ.
- Earthly authority shifted—Haman fell, Mordecai was raised up; the Sanhedrin opposed Peter, but the Spirit gave him words no one could refute.
- A legacy was established—Mordecai’s story was written in the royal records; Peter’s story is written in the Book of Acts.
- Heavenly power flowed through them—the king’s signet ring in Mordecai’s hand; the name of Jesus in Peter’s mouth.
How to Let Your Heavenly Identity Change Earthly Problems
- Stay conscious of where your true authority comes from (it’s not from your job, your social status, or even your skill—it’s from the King of Heaven).
- See the problems around you as places to release heaven’s power (like Peter did at the temple gate).
- Remember that earthly systems may oppose you, but God’s heavenly power cannot be stopped.
Lord, thank You that my authority doesn’t come from my position on earth, but from my place in Your kingdom. Help me to live every day as someone whose name is written in heaven—ready to speak, to serve, and to lift others out of the prisons of this world. Let the authority of heaven flow through me like it did through Peter, and like it did through Mordecai, so that Your kingdom will be seen on earth. Amen.
Chapter 14
From Earth to Heaven—A Summary of Authority
As we’ve walked through the pages of Scripture and the echoes of these stories, we’ve seen how heaven’s authority shapes life on earth.
Let’s look at this heavenly pattern:
The Woman at the Well (John 4)
Jesus showed the woman that He was more than an earthly man—He was the Messiah, the One from Heaven. Her personal revelation stirred her entire village to consider the question: Could this really be the Messiah?
Waking Jesus in the Storm (Matthew 8)
The disciples saw Jesus’ authority over earthly things, even the wind and waves. Earthly storms cannot defeat heavenly peace.
Walking on Water (Matthew 14)
Peter experienced what it meant to step into heaven’s power. When he kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked on water—when he looked at the storm, he sank. This taught us how earthly fears can pull us down, but heavenly focus lifts us up.
The Disciples’ Names in Heaven (Luke 10)
Jesus reminded them: their real joy was not in the power they saw on earth, but in the truth that their names were written in heaven. Heavenly consciousness brings heavenly authority.
Peter’s Revelation of the Messiah (Matthew 16)
Peter’s revelation was not from flesh and blood, but from the Father in heaven. Because he was aware of heavenly things, he received the keys of the kingdom—an authority upgrade to bind and loose on earth and in heaven.
The Lame Man at the Gate Beautiful (Acts 3:1-10)
This is a good illustration of Peter’s new authority.
He met a man with an earthly problem.
Instead of giving earthly solutions, he spoke from heaven’s resources:
“In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Pulling the Lame Man Up (Acts 3:7)
“Taking him by the right hand,
he helped him up,
and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.”
Peter didn’t let the man’s problems pull him down.
He pulled the man up into heaven’s power.
This was an image of how heavenly authority works:
it doesn’t sink under the weight of earthly problems;
it lifts people out of them.
Explaining the Source of Power (Acts 3:11-16)
Peter made sure everyone knew the source: not his own power or godliness, but faith in the name of Jesus. Earthly honor means nothing if it doesn’t point to heavenly power.
Mordecai’s Rising Authority (Esther 3–10)
We explored how authority works in heavenly realms by seeing the story of Mordecai and Haman. Haman fell like Satan fell from heaven, while Mordecai was raised up to receive new honor, new power, and a new estate—just as Peter was lifted up to share in Jesus’ authority.
A Shift of Authority (Esther 3)
We dug deeper into how authority shifts. Mordecai, like Peter, was raised up by divine favor. Earthly authority fell, but heavenly honor and blessing took its place.
The Final Victory (Esther 10)
Mordecai’s story closed with the confirmation of his authority—second to the king and honored among the people. In the same way, the book of Acts ends with Peter and the apostles firmly established in spiritual authority, ready to bring heaven’s kingdom to earth.
A Heavenly Pattern for You
What does all of this mean for you today?
You are not defined by the storms, the rejection, or the brokenness of earth.
Your authority flows from your connection to heaven—your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Earthly systems may resist you, but heaven’s power cannot be stopped.
Just like Peter and Mordecai, you are called to lift others up—to speak life, to heal, to unlock the gates that hold people captive.
This is not just a Bible story; it is your story. Heaven’s authority is yours in Christ.
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me that my true authority is not of this earth, but of Your kingdom. Thank You that I am seated with You in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). Teach me to use the authority You have given me—by faith in Your name—to bring hope, healing, and life to those around me. Amen.
Chapter 15
Earthly Knowledge vs. Heavenly Revelation
Two disciples, weary and bewildered, walked the dusty road to Emmaus. They had all the facts: the betrayal, the crucifixion, and the reports of an empty tomb. But despite their careful recounting of these events, their eyes were still blind to the truth standing right in front of them.
They were locked into earthly knowledge—the limited perspective of what could be seen, heard, and reasoned. They said:
“He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed… but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” (Luke 24:19, 21 NIV)
In their minds, Jesus was a prophet who had done powerful works—but that was all. Their understanding of authority was also earth-bound: prophets could heal and speak for God, but they were still mortal men.
And so they missed the revelation that Jesus is the eternal King, whose authority doesn’t end at death. He had already stepped beyond the grave into resurrection life.
Jesus walked with them, hidden from their eyes, until they were ready for their spiritual eyes to open. This reveals a crucial truth:
Earthly knowledge relies on information.
Heavenly revelation flows from relationship.
The disciples knew the facts about Jesus’ death and burial, but they didn’t see how it fulfilled the plan of Heaven. They didn’t realize that the authority of the Messiah was not lost at the cross—it was revealed in the resurrection.
Like Peter in previous chapters, these disciples needed a shift of perspective. Earthly knowledge says: It’s over; hope is gone. Heavenly revelation says: This was the plan of God all along. The Messiah now lives, and all authority is in His hands.
When the disciples finally recognized Jesus at the breaking of bread, their hearts burned within them. Heaven had opened their eyes! (Luke 24:30–32 NIV)
Applying This to Us Today
Many of us, like those disciples, can be surrounded by all the facts yet blind to the spiritual authority of Jesus in our lives. We may read the Bible, know the stories, and recite the history—yet without revelation, it’s just information.
Heavenly authority is not grasped by study alone—it’s birthed in an encounter with the Risen Christ. When you truly see Jesus—alive, victorious, and full of power—earthly doubts melt away, and heavenly authority flows.
Lord, open my eyes to see You for who You truly are—alive and reigning in power. Let me not settle for earthly knowledge alone, but draw me into heavenly revelation. May Your resurrection authority flow through me to bring hope and healing wherever I go. Amen.
Chapter 16
When the Scriptures Become Spirit and Life
As they walked along the road, the two disciples were receiving the best Bible study in history. Jesus Himself, the Word made flesh, was teaching them—yet still, they didn’t see who He truly was.
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27 NIV)
They heard every prophetic promise, every hint of the Messiah’s suffering and glory. Their hearts burned with excitement—yet their eyes remained closed. This moment shows us a crucial difference:
Biblical knowledge alone does not open our spiritual eyes.
It takes a moment of heaven’s light to turn truth into revelation.
The disciples were listening to the Author Himself, but they still needed more than words—they needed heavenly unveiling.
When did that unveiling come? Not during the teaching, but at the table.
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him…” (Luke 24:30–31 NIV)
This is the moment of heavenly revelation—where truth stopped being just information and became a personal encounter. In that instant, they saw Jesus, not just as a teacher or prophet, but as the Risen Lord who overcame death itself.
The Difference Between Earthly Study and Heavenly Revelation
- Earthly study fills the mind but may leave the heart unchanged.
- Heavenly revelation transforms the whole person—heart, mind, and spirit.
- Earthly study can be impressive and thorough—like what Jesus did on the road.
- Heavenly revelation comes in a moment of surrender and intimacy—like the breaking of bread.
This is a pattern seen throughout Scripture:
Peter walked on water because of a word from Jesus—but when he looked at the waves, he sank.
Peter healed a man at the gate Beautiful because he had seen the risen Jesus, not just read about Him.
Mordecai was lifted up when he understood his role in God’s plan, while Haman’s earthly status crumbled.
A Challenge for Us Today
Many of us have read the Bible faithfully. We can explain the stories and recite the verses—yet still not see Jesus. He calls us beyond earthly knowledge to heavenly revelation.
To go from the Emmaus road to the Emmaus table, we must invite Him to stay with us (Luke 24:29 NIV). When we make room for His presence, the Scriptures become Spirit and Life—and the living Christ is revealed.
Lord, let my time in Your Word move beyond earthly study. Open my eyes to see You. Let every page of Scripture lead to a deeper encounter with You, the Living Word. Amen.
Chapter 17
The Heavenly Key That Opens Our Minds
The room was filled with questions and confusion when Jesus appeared in the midst of His disciples:
“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” (Luke 24:36 NIV)
They were startled and frightened, unsure of what they were seeing—even though Jesus showed them His hands and feet. But the real change came not from seeing with their eyes, but from heaven’s revelation:
“Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:45 NIV)
Heaven’s Touch—Not Earthly Senses
Here’s the amazing truth: even though they had the physical presence of Jesus, they still needed divine revelation. It wasn’t the miracles they’d seen or even Jesus’ physical body standing before them that unlocked their understanding. It was a gift of heaven—a supernatural opening of their minds.
And this same heavenly key is available for us today.
No Disqualification
You may feel far away from God right now—maybe like those two disciples on the road to Emmaus, heading in the wrong direction. Maybe you’re sitting in a chair, driving your car, or even sitting in school, feeling like you’re not “spiritual enough” or “holy enough.” But Jesus’ opening of the mind is not based on our location or our past experiences.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never seen a miracle.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never had a spiritual vision or a powerful encounter.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never heard God’s voice like thunder.
You still qualify. Right now.
Heaven’s Equal Invitation
The opening of our minds to the Scriptures is a gift of heavenly love, not a reward for spiritual achievement. Whether you’re new to faith or have walked with God for years, you’re invited to receive this same supernatural understanding.
You are not disqualified because of doubt.
You are not disqualified because of past failures.
Even if you feel like you’re headed in the wrong direction, Jesus can still meet you right there.
The Power of His Promise
Jesus said,
“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49 NIV)
The same power that clothed the early disciples, the same power that opened their minds, is offered to you. It doesn’t come from your striving, but from the grace of heaven.
A Heavenly Gift in Your Everyday Life
As you read these words—no matter where you are—heaven can open your understanding. Sitting at home, working at your job, caring for your children—this heavenly power is not limited to a church building or a special moment.
Jesus is still in the business of opening minds and igniting hearts.
Lord Jesus, I invite You to open my mind to understand the Scriptures, just as You did for the first disciples. I receive Your heavenly revelation. I believe that no matter where I am or how I feel, You have qualified me to see and know Your truth. Amen.
Chapter 18
Heavenly Authority Over Earthly Problems
Acts 3:1–10 (NIV)
A Man With Earthly Problems
Each day, the lame man was carried to the temple gate called Beautiful. His life was shaped by earthly limitations—he could not walk and relied on the kindness of others just to survive. For years, his view of life was at ground level, his heart fixed on the small hope of a few coins.
Peter’s Heavenly Consciousness
As Peter and John approached, the man expected only a brief exchange—earthly help for an earthly problem. But Peter was not living only in an earthly mindset. His authority had been upgraded by heavenly revelation, and his eyes were set on the power of heaven to invade the earth.
Peter said, “Look at us!” He was not offering an earthly solution but inviting the man to shift his gaze—to lift his eyes from the ground and see something greater.
What I Have, I Give You
Peter had no silver or gold that day, but he had something far more powerful. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Heaven’s authority flowed through Peter’s words, and as he took the man’s hand, the impossible became possible. Instantly, the man’s feet and ankles became strong, and he jumped up, praising God.
Heaven Invades Earth
This miracle was not just a physical healing—it was the triumph of heaven over earthly limitations. The same authority that Jesus had given Peter in Matthew 16 was now breaking the power of disability and poverty. Heaven’s authority was greater than the man’s lifelong struggle.
Walking in Heavenly Authority Today
Peter’s authority came from his heavenly consciousness. He remembered that his name was written in heaven, and he carried the keys of the kingdom. Earthly need did not intimidate him, because he knew that heavenly provision would meet it.
When we live conscious of heaven, we can address the deepest needs of those around us—not just with earthly solutions, but with the life-changing power of the name of Jesus.
Three Keys for Us Today
- Look Beyond Earthly Problems – Like Peter, we are called to see beyond what is visible. Earthly problems may be real, but heaven’s authority is greater.
- Give What You Have – We may not always have earthly resources, but we carry something more powerful: the name and authority of Jesus.
- Lift Others Up – When we extend our hands in faith, we invite others to stand and walk in the power of heaven. We bring hope and strength where there was once only survival.
A Reflection
Peter did not just see a beggar. He saw a son of God waiting to walk in heavenly freedom. When we live from our heavenly position, we bring that same life and power to every person and situation we encounter.
Heavenly Authority Meets Earthly Desperation
When Peter grabbed the man’s hand, he did more than offer a polite gesture—he extended the authority of heaven. Yet there’s a moment of risk in every rescue. In that instant, Peter could have been pulled down into the man’s desperate, heavy world. Sometimes, helping someone means stepping into their pain and their hopelessness, feeling the weight of what they have carried for so long.
Don’t Let Earthly Desperation Pull You Down
For those reading this, you might feel like you’re drowning in problems—like the man by the Beautiful Gate, stuck in a cycle of disappointment and survival. Peter’s action is a picture of how heaven’s authority doesn’t get weighed down by our earthly burdens. Instead, it lifts us up.
Peter didn’t just stand above the man’s problems—he pulled him out. In that moment, the man didn’t have to be strong enough to stand alone. He just had to respond and let Peter pull him up.
Let Heaven Pull You Up
If you’re reading this and feel stuck in your own “Beautiful Gate,” too weighed down to hope for more, remember this: Heaven is reaching down to you. Just like Peter pulled the man up, Jesus is extending his hand to lift you out of the weight of your situation. All he asks is that you grab on.
When you take his hand, you’re not just leaning on a friend or a nice idea—you’re touching the power of heaven itself. Let Jesus pull you up to the place where he lives. His strength will hold you steady. His authority will break through your earthly limits.
A Word of Encouragement
No matter how heavy your burdens feel, there is a heavenly hand reaching for you. Don’t be afraid to take hold. Heaven’s power will lift you higher than the weight of your struggles—into the place of praise, purpose, and new life.
Faith in the Name of Jesus
As the healed man held on to Peter and John, the astonished crowd ran to them at Solomon’s Colonnade. The air was charged with wonder—people could hardly believe what they had seen. The man who had been a beggar was now leaping and praising God, right in front of their eyes.
But Peter knew the real source of this miracle. He looked around at the amazed faces and said, “Why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if we made this man walk by our own power or godliness?”
The Power and the Name
Peter reminded the crowd that it wasn’t their human strength or holiness that brought healing. Instead, it was the power of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the name of Jesus—God’s glorified servant. Peter laid it out clearly: “You killed the Author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.”
He wanted them to see that the power of resurrection—God’s own victory over death—was now working through Jesus’ name. “By faith in the name of Jesus,” Peter said, “this man whom you see and know was made strong.”
A Message for Us Today
This miracle wasn’t just for the man at the Beautiful Gate. It was a signpost for everyone: when we put our faith in the name of Jesus, God’s resurrection power moves in our lives, too. The name of Jesus still has authority today—over sickness, over fear, over every earthly limitation.
Like the crowd, we can be tempted to look for human explanations. But Peter’s words pull us back to the truth: it’s not by our own power, it’s by the name of Jesus and the faith that comes through him.
For Those Who Feel Powerless
Maybe you’re feeling stuck, facing problems that seem bigger than you. Let this chapter remind you: it’s not about your strength or your perfection. It’s about his name. When you speak the name of Jesus in faith—like Peter did—you’re calling on the same power that raised him from the dead. That power can break through anything holding you back.
The Name Above Earthly Power
As the healed man clung to Peter and John, the crowd gathered around them in Solomon’s Colonnade. Wonder filled the air—this man, once a beggar, was now a living miracle. But Peter quickly shifted their focus from the spectacle to the source.
“Why does this surprise you?” he asked. “Why are you staring at us as if we made this man walk by our own power or godliness?”
Peter was teaching them that the authority for this miracle didn’t come from human strength, or even human goodness. It came from heaven itself—through the name of Jesus, the Son of God who now lives in glory.
The Earthly Mindset of Pilate
Peter pointed them back to the greatest tragedy in history: “You handed Jesus over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go.”
Pilate, a Roman governor, had approached Jesus from a very earthly mindset—calculating, political, more concerned with keeping order than discerning truth.
Pilate had seen Jesus as a problem to be solved, not as the King of Heaven.
But it wasn’t just Pilate.
The people themselves had chosen a murderer over the Author of Life.
They had let earthly fears and pressures decide, and missed the heavenly reality standing before them.
A Heavenly Authority
Now Peter was showing them the difference. “This man was healed by faith in the name of Jesus,” he said. That name is not just a name from history—it is the name of the One who has been raised from the dead and exalted to heaven. In that name, heaven’s authority breaks into the world.
When the world acts in an earthly way, Peter was saying, we must act in a heavenly way. Even when governments and rulers get it wrong, the authority of the name of Jesus remains. That is where our power comes from. That is how we stand firm and see miracles.
For Us Today
The crowd was amazed that Peter and John carried this kind of authority. But it was never about them. It was about Jesus—his name, his power, his life.
When we remember that our authority comes from the One who lives in heaven, we too can live above the limitations of the earthly mindset.
We can act in faith and see heaven touch earth.
Chapter 19
Appeal to the Highest Court
As we come to the end of this journey through heavenly authority, let’s remember one thing: while you’re waiting for that fresh surge of heavenly power—while you’re waiting for a vision or revelation—there is still something you can do. You can use the mind God has already given you.
Yes, there are earthly problems—money issues, relationships, health worries, security concerns, housing and careers. These are real. They are the lower courts of this world, with rules and pressures that can feel final and crushing. But that’s not the final authority.
Heaven is the highest court in the universe. Its authority is supreme, and it can overrule any verdict from this lower earthly court.
Here’s the key: all authority has levels. Just like in a legal system, if you’re losing in the lower court, you have the right to appeal to a higher court. The high court has the power to overturn decisions made below. Earthly problems might give you a ruling that says “no way,” but when you appeal to heaven’s authority, the final answer can change to “yes and amen”!
So, if you’re a citizen of both heaven and earth, you don’t have to live at the mercy of earthly limitations. You can stand up in the courtroom of heaven, call on your heavenly rights as a child of God, and watch the higher court of heaven overrule what earth has said is impossible.
Get an Upgrade Today
Heavenly authority isn’t just a feeling. It’s an upgrade—an awareness that you belong to the highest court, and that Jesus’ name carries ultimate power. When you become more conscious of this heavenly citizenship, you’ll find that your perspective changes. You’ll see that heavenly authority is above every earthly situation.
Don’t settle for the lower court’s ruling. Lift your case higher. Let your mind and heart be lifted to the place where Christ is seated—far above every power, every sickness, every worry. And as you appeal to heaven’s highest court, watch as impossible things bow to the name of Jesus.
While You Wait for Revelation
Maybe you’re still waiting for a personal word from heaven, or for a breakthrough that feels slow in coming. Here’s the promise: as you wait, heaven will help you. God will open your mind so that you can understand his Word—not just with your head, but by revelation. You’ll begin to see the Bible with fresh eyes, and every word will come alive as a source of heavenly authority and hope.
You’re not powerless. You have the right of appeal. The highest court in the universe is on your side. Lift your eyes today, and let heaven’s authority become the final word over your life.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Lord, thank you that when I feel stuck in the lower court of earthly problems, you’ve already given me a seat in the highest court of heaven. I choose today to appeal to you, to stand on the authority of Jesus’ name, and to trust that heaven’s final word is greater than any earthly limitation. Help me to stay conscious of your authority and to walk in the power of my heavenly citizenship every day. Amen.
Chapter 20
When Authority Speaks
Acts 22:24-29 NIV
In the book of Acts, we see a powerful moment that reveals the difference between lower authority and higher authority—and how it can change everything in an instant.
Paul had been dragged into the barracks by Roman soldiers. The commander ordered that he be flogged and interrogated, trying to find out why the crowd was in an uproar. Earthly authority—brutal, forceful, and ready to punish—was about to have its way.
But Paul didn’t just accept this. As they stretched him out to be whipped, he spoke up:
“Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?”
His words were not just a protest. They were an appeal to a higher authority. Roman citizenship carried weight—an authority recognized throughout the empire. When Paul declared that he was a citizen, everything changed. The centurion backed off. The commander himself came running, suddenly aware that he had crossed a line.
The Power of Citizenship
Paul didn’t have to fight or argue. He simply declared his citizenship. And that was enough. The soldiers who were about to beat him withdrew immediately. The earthly authority of the commander was overruled by a higher legal authority: Roman law protected its citizens. And Paul’s simple statement of identity turned the whole situation around.
Higher Authority Overcomes Lower
What does this mean for you and me today? Earthly problems can act like that commander—pushing us around, threatening to whip us with worry, fear, or intimidation. But when we stand on our heavenly citizenship—when we declare that we belong to the Kingdom of God, and that the name of Jesus is our covering—the lower authority of circumstances has to withdraw.
You don’t need to be loud or aggressive. You just need to remember who you are and whose authority you carry. Paul didn’t fight or argue; he simply stated his citizenship, and the power of that citizenship caused the soldiers to back off.
From Today: Earthly Opposition Withdraws
Today, know this: you are a citizen of heaven. The highest authority in the universe has given you the right to stand in the power of Jesus’ name. When you declare your heavenly citizenship over your earthly problems, they must withdraw. That sickness, that fear, that lack—it may have been intimidating you, but now it must retreat in the face of heaven’s highest authority.
A Final Declaration
Lord, thank you for showing me that I am a citizen of heaven.
I declare that today, every earthly opposition must yield to the higher authority of Jesus’ name.
I expect breakthroughs where there was resistance.
I expect peace where there was turmoil.
And I trust that as I stand in my heavenly citizenship, every plan of the enemy has to withdraw.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thank you for reading!
I’m so grateful you’ve journeyed through these chapters with me.
My hope is that these words will ignite faith in your heart.
And unveil a new sense of heavenly authority in your life.
We can be more conscious of Heaven,
and get an upgrade in our authority.
Blessings.
One last scripture.
Philippians 3:19-20
Their mind is set on earthly things.
But our citizenship is in heaven.
Tony Egar
Brisbane, Australia
Free Faith Books 