What makes you powerful? You can have different answers to that question depending on who you ask. If you ask your carnal man, he will tell you that position, possessions and social status will make you powerful. If you ask Jesus, He’ll tell you something different…

In Acts 1:4-8 Jesus was trying to teach the disciples about being powerful in Him. The fact that they were misinterpreting things was exposed when they asked Him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” In other words, “Is this finally the moment where you will assume political power? Is this the season when we will be appointed to your royal court?” They were focused on the carnal aspects of power.

Jesus answers them, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own 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.”

I love Jesus…

He basically tells them to stop concerning themselves with the establishment of a political kingdom and the personal perks and benefits. This profound exchange teaches me several things:

POSITIONS OR TITLES DON’T MAKE ME POWERFUL

You can be a General or the cashier at the General Store… Makes no difference when it comes to being powerful. If we believe positions and titles make us powerful than they become our goal, our pursuit…our idol.

Jesus was telling these guys to give up worrying about power from men. He told them that what they were asking about was irrelevant. It was of such low priority, He didn’t even answer the question!

PRESENCE MAKES ME POWERFUL

The only “power” Jesus wanted them focused on was the “power of the Holy Spirit.” If you allow me to paraphrase, He said, “You’ll be powerful when the Presence of God marks your life.”

Are you looking to become more powerful in your life by being closer to His Presence? Do you see His Presence as your secret weapon to overcome any obstacles before you?

THE MISSION OF THE KINGDOM MAKES ME POWERFUL

Jesus told a group of people, who were mostly from the remote area of Galilee, that they would represent Him to the nations of the world! He explained to them that His agenda would carry them to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Is there a greater power than delivering another person from darkness? What holds more weight than changing the destiny of an eternal soul? Friend, nothing contains greater significance, nothing has greater implications than the work of the Kingdom.

This invitation to receive power is not for personal greed, ego or control. Rather, it is a journey that satisfies us in ways that are immeasurable. Before we can immerse ourselves though, we must heed the words of Jesus.

Stop concerning yourselves with power of this world. You weren’t created to focus on such things. Pursue His Presence, enlist yourself to build His Kingdom and nothing will be impossible!

CC Image • Brian commorancy on Flickr