Power

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You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. -Acts 1:4 ESV

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The old adage tells us that power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolute. Abraham Lincoln put it this way:

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."

Such is the conundrum of fleshly power. Its focus is exerting power or authority over others. This is not the kind of power that Jesus speaks of when he uses the word power. The Greek word used in this verse (dunamis) speaks to me about the powerful presence of God's Spirit in our lives. Jesus tells us that this is the power that causes us to live powerful lives.

When I reflect on what it means to witness for Jesus, I am drawn to Paul's description of the fruit of the Spirit in a believer's life. When we love our enemies we give a powerful witness. When we exhibit joy in hardship we show God's power. When our hearts are filled with peace in the midst of war we demonstrate the power of the Prince of Peace.

Dear Lord, empower us again that we might love as you love. That all may know that we are yours.

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... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on words in the bible.