Being Like Him - a 40 Day Lenten Devotionalਨਮੂਨਾ

Power

The God of the universe created everything by the word of His mouth. The power of the Godhead Family was the one that produced everything we see around and enjoy. His power is incomprehensible, but the splendid promise of Jesus to His disciples in Acts prompts us to believe that He shares his divine power with us. Jesus said that you would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you (Acts 1:8). Apostle Paul talks about God’s power that is lavished on all who sincerely believe in Him. In Ephesians 1:19, he says, “I also pray you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.” This power is the power God exerted in bringing Jesus to life. So, what is this power all about?

Where on earth can we encounter a God who wants to share His power with each one of us? No human leader wants to divide their power with another person, but the Lord Jesus even said that His disciples will perform mightier miracles than Himself. This power that Jesus gives is to glorify Him and move people towards His Kingdom. Paul says that He sincerely wants to know Christ in the power of His glorious resurrection. Therefore, this is the power to witness and demonstrate God to others.

It is interesting to know this power is hidden in earthen vessels or jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7). The earthen vessel that holds the power can crack anytime and the vessel can never claim any power to itself. It is amazing that the power of God works through ordinary human beings. So, power is given only to demonstrate God and not any human being.

The power that Jesus demonstrated also has another dimension never seen as “power” by many. When Jesus knew that His disciples were afraid after the crucifixion, he breathed on them the Holy Spirit for empowerment. And the following thing He declared to them was, “If you forgive anyone’s sins they are forgiven; if you withhold anyone’s sin, they are not forgiven.” The biggest need that Jesus felt that His disciples needed then was the power to forgive. They needed to forgive Judas, the leaders who crucified Jesus and the many crowds that shouted against Jesus. So, the power given was the power to love their enemies, the power to serve their adversaries, the power to give generously, the power to give their life up for the Lord and His purposes. To be like Him in power is to exercise the power granted to us, His children, in order to demonstrate Christ in various ways.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we need your power today to love, forgive, to display your grace and favor to others. Grant us the power to demonstrate your power before others through healing, miracles and signs to show Christ’s love so that many will recognize you and become part of your Kingdom. In Jesus name, Amen.