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Topic: Power (05/10/04)
TITLE: Power - the Real Thing By Lynne Gaunt 05/14/04 |
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But really, do we use the right measuring stick to determine who holds power over our lives? Even a tired and hungry two-year-old exercises tremendous power over the success of your shopping trip. Or what about the Credit Company that racks up service charges and late fees when you’re going through a difficult time? And there’s no denying the power an abusive spouse can have over their mate.
Power. Real Power. What is it really?
The Greek word often used in the New Testament for power, particularly when speaking of Jesus, is the word dunamis. This is the word from which our English word dynamite is derived. The word provokes mental images of mighty miracles and supernatural acts, and with good reason! Jesus repeatedly shows himself to be the all-powerful Son of the Living God. He heals the sick, demonstrates absolute authority over demons, raises the dead, feeds the multitudes, calms the storm – he even walks on top of the water, for heaven’s sake! There’s no doubt that Jesus was filled with power. Only such power could conquer death and sin as Jesus did. Not perceived power, but the real thing – dunamis – POW!!
So what about us? As disciples of the risen Lord Jesus, what kind of power do we have? Well, none of our own, BUT, as chosen, redeemed, forgiven children of the King, we have his powerful Spirit living in us. We have been equipped for mighty works indeed. What? Don’t exactly feel mighty or powerful? You’re in good company. Moses felt inadequate, Gideon was terrified of his enemies and hid from them, even the Apostle Paul felt great weakness! Paul reveals the secret to us, as God revealed it to him: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
All the authorities and powers of this world – the rich, the famous, the movers and shakers, those whose every word carries significant influence, all these, are no more powerful than you my friend. Surrender to the One who holds the real power, and with Paul we can say, “When I am weak, then I am strong.”