THE RIGHT POWER AT THE RIGHT TIME

Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist, invented dynamite and was an immensely successful arms dealer. He made a fortune selling heavy artillery to countries at war. When his less well known brother Ludvig died, a French newspaper mistakenly published the obituary of Alfred instead under the headline: “The Merchant of Death is Dead.” When Alfred Nobel read his own obituary, he decided he did not want to be remembered for dynamite or war, so he donated his vast wealth to create The Nobel Prize. 

It’s true power can be destructive, but the right power operates CT Scanners in Children’s Hospitals, Fire Alarms in Retirement Centers, and a thousand other life giving necessities. Jesus said the Christian witness is dependent upon power. “You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:48-49) In fact, the Greek word for power, used by the Lord, is “dunamis.” God’s “dynamite” is constructive not destructive! Jesus said we need the dynamic power from “on high” to be effective witnesses.

When the early church had prayed for 10 days the power from on high came in the form and presence of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1ff). If the eyewitnesses needed the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit, what does that suggest to you about us?

Since so many people around us need the Lord, and since we are called to be His witnesses, isn’t it also true that we need the power of the Holy Spirit? Of course it is. Right now, ask the Lord to fill you and empower you with the Holy Spirit so you too can be a powerful witness for Jesus.

Living a Spirit-filled life won’t earn you a Nobel Prize, but it will give you dynamic spiritual power to share the gospel with someone this week! Ask Him for the Holy Spirit’s power, then go in that power and make a dynamic difference in someone else’s life.

~JKB