True Power

"So when they met together, they asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?'

He said to to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit come on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'" Acts 1:6-7

The disciple's question is one that really makes us shake our heads. The disciples still don't get it! They have seen Christ crucified, buried, and resurrected and yet they still are looking for Jesus to bring a political kingdom to Israel.

Jesus' answer to them is interesting. Do you notice that he doesn't really answer the question? Instead he points to the sovereignty and authority of God, and then he promises them power. On the surface this promise seems very dangerous. Is Jesus playing here to the disciples desire for power? Isn't this a good opportunity for Jesus to teach about humility and not desiring to have one's self elevated to positions of power and authority?

Instead Jesus sets up the disciples for an object lesson in power in chapter 2. It is a power under the authority and control of God. It is a power that serves to witness to Christ and to bring reconciliation between men and God. It is the only true power in the universe. It is the power that true followers of Christ desire to have because it transforms our lives, our families, and our communities. It is the power that comes from the Holy Spirit.

As Christians we will readily find temptation to pursue power in our own life. We want to see great things and do great things. However, more often than not we find ourselves like the disciples pining for the power of this world because it is a power we understand and think we can control. The power that God offers us is very different. It is power in the most profound sense, but it comes in His timing, His control, and in accordance with His will. The reason is very simple....it is His power.