He gives his king great victories. (Ps. 18:50)
We have seen so much abuse of power in our lifetime that many shy away from having power at all. Priests abusing children. Politicians abusing their positions. Law enforcement abusing citizens. Parents abusing their kids. Bosses verbally abusing their employees. It’s all too horrific, and too close to home for each of us.
But instead of off-loading power, Christ actually wants us to take up his power. Jesus gives us his power for his purposes. He wants us to use it, not refuse it or abuse it.
He first gave all power and authority to his Son Jesus, who perfectly followed the will of his Father. Jesus gave his authority to his disciples to continue God’s work in the world. He gives his power to pastors so that they may teach, guide, correct, disciple, and care for the church. He gives his power to politicians so that they may govern the nation according to God’s truth and justice. He gives power to parents so that they may raise their children in the ways of God. He gives power to men to lead their families to follow Christ. And he gives his power to each of his followers, that they may stand firm against their enemy, the devil.
Have you accepted the power God’s given you? Are you using it for his purposes?
Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to do God’s work.
Jarod Osborne is lead pastor of Pathway Church, in Warsaw, Indiana. He is the author of Jaded Faith (WPH).
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
