The Badge and the Authority: A Law Enforcement Officer’s Guide to Luke 10:19

In 25 years of law enforcement, I’ve learned one undeniable truth: there’s a world of difference between power and authority.

I can be the strongest man in the room, capable of physical force and carrying a weapon—that’s power. But if I’m off-duty, out of uniform, and I try to direct traffic or make an arrest, what do I have? Nothing but my personal strength. The moment I flash my badge, however, everything changes. The badge doesn’t give me physical power; it gives me authority. It shows you who I represent. It indicates that a county stands behind me.

This distinction is absolutely essential for us as believers, especially when facing life’s challenges and the enemy’s subtle attacks. We often feel powerless, but Jesus has given us something much greater: authority.

Unpacking Luke 10:19: Two Kinds of “Power”

Let’s dive into a foundational scripture for every believer: Luke 10:19.

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”

In the English, we see “authority” and “power,” but the original Greek text reveals an even deeper insight.

1. “Authority” (Greek: Exousia): This is the word Jesus uses when He says, “I give you exousia.” Think of this as the Badge of the Kingdom. It’s the delegated right, the legal permission, the jurisdiction you operate under. It’s not your strength; it’s the right you have because of who you represent. Just like my police badge grants me the right to act on behalf of the county, your position in Christ grants you the right to act on behalf of the King of Kings.
2. “Power” (Greek: Dunamis): This is the word Jesus uses for “all the dunamis of the enemy.” This is raw force, inherent ability, explosive strength. It’s the “gun” in the enemy’s holster, the physical force of his lies, temptations, and schemes.

So, when Jesus says, “I give you exousia (authority) over all the dunamis (power) of the enemy,” He’s saying, “I give you the legal right to shut down all the enemy’s force.” Your badge of Christ outranks his firepower. Every single time.

How to Flash Your Badge: Practical Applications

As a law enforcement officer, I didn’t get into a physical fight with every criminal. Often, simply wearing the uniform was enough to make the situation surrender. The same is true in the spiritual realm.

Here’s how you can exercise your divine authority:

1. Identify the Trespasser: The enemy loves to trespass. He whispers lies, plants fear, and tries to steal your peace. That anxiety you feel? That doubt? Those are often spiritual trespassers.

2. Declare Your Jurisdiction: Just like I would tell a suspect, “You are now under arrest,” you declare, “I am a child of God, bought with the blood of Jesus. This anxiety (or fear, or doubt) has no exousia (authority) over me!” You are not arguing; you are stating a legal fact of the Kingdom.

Romans 8:1-2 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” This is your spiritual Miranda Warning to the enemy.

• Enforce the King’s Decree: Authority isn’t just a declaration; it’s an enforcement. When a police officer issues a command, there’s the backing of the law. When you declare God’s Word over a situation, there’s the backing of the King of Kings.

James 4:7 “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

The Confidence of Representation

When I wear my badge, I don’t walk in fear. I carry myself with the calm confidence of knowing I represent something much greater than myself. As a Pastor in my church, I understand I serve as a reflection of Christ to those I help. My authority in the Kingdom isn’t based on my strength, but on the King I serve.

You might be going through a season where you feel overwhelmed by the dunamis (power) of the enemy, the circumstances, the bad news, and the personal struggles. But remember: Jesus has given you the exousia (authority) over all of it. Don’t let the enemy bluff you. Flash your badge. Declare your authority in Christ. Nothing, by any means, shall ultimately hurt you when you walk in the delegated right of the King.