WEEKLY DEVOTION – AUGUST 17, 2020

Power

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth – Acts 8:1

We can truly say that mostly everyone wants power of one kind or another. Who’s in charge? is the question we find ourselves asking many times, when we want to see change, influence others, or be a part of the power structure. Even in our homes, someone is in charge. Children learn fast who that someone is, so they know who to spend most of their time talking to when they want something. People want power to control events, to protect themselves and even to destroy others, as in wars and the arms race. Too often we do not know what to do with authority and the power that proceeds from it. Shakespeare was correct, “Man, proud man! Dressed in a little brief authority, plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven as make the angels weep.”

There is another source of power that is reflected in the above scripture that speaks of a promise fulfilled and a destiny set in motion. The disciples of Jesus Christ received power because they waited on God. They surrendered their will to the Lord and therefore spread the gospel message of the kingdom of God, and they changed the world for good.

Dear Lord, thank you for your power to save us, and your power to use us to share the message of Christ, endow me with your power that I may serve you. Amen

Dumas Alexander Harshaw, Jr.