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15th April 2007  PM

POWER FROM ON HIGH  Pastor Colin Meadows

Luke 24:36-53, Zechariah 4:6

Ø Lack of power is a big issue

We lived for many years at a rural Bible College in Botswana, Africa. At the college was an old generator that provided power for the homes. At night I would start this generator up and listen as it struggled to provide the power needed. Often we would have to switch off some lights so that the generator could cope. Many times the lights would glow yellow rather than white, such was the lack of power!!

Then came the day however when we were able to connect the college to the national power grid. I remember that day when the switch over occurred. The old generator was disconnected and the new system plugged in. The results were amazing!! We could now switch on lights at will and even use the iron whenever we liked!! It was amazing the difference that it made, being connected into the powerful national grid.

In our reading the disciples were struggling to cope with a lack of power, almost overcome by the events that had come upon them. First there was the devastation of the crucifixion with the resulting grief that swept over them. Then the amazing story of the resurrection – Jesus was alive and had rose from the dead to new life!! He had conquered death, just as he said he would. Now he was commissioning the disciples for a new huge task – to take the Good News to the world. How could they possibly manage to do that? They were a powerless little minority group, with little or no influence, living in a hostile environment. What could they possibly do?

Ø Empowered by God’s Holy Spirit

How could they manage to do what Christ had called them to do? They could only carry out this task if they were to be clothed with power from an outside source. They could not do it by relying on their own little generator!! They desperately needed outside help.

Jesus himself provided the answer. He had learnt the lesson of being empowered by God. At his baptism, the Holy Spirit came upon him from heaven and empowered him throughout the days of his ministry. Jesus now promised such help for his disciples as well. The wonderful Holy Spirit of God would indwell believers. Jesus would be with them in the form of his Holy Spirit. They would not be alone. They would be empowered from on high.

John 14:16-17 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

On the day of Pentecost the early believers were empowered by the Spirit of God, just as Jesus had promised them would happen.

Acts 1:8  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”

Those early believers were touched by God in a mighty way, enabled to speak in other tongues so that those standing hear were able to understand in their own language. This was in fulfillment of the words of the prophet Joel.

Joel 2:28 “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”

In the same way, God has promised to empower us as we humbly seek to follow him. How does this come about? As we submit to him as master and Lord, each day asking that the Holy Spirit will fill us with his power and presence. Daily confess our sins and seek to follow him, trusting not in our own strength and abilities but in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. But what are we empowered to do?

Ø Empowered to be witnesses

The clear response from Jesus is that we are empowered to be witnesses.

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses…” 

The meaning of this word witness is very interesting. A witness in the NT was one who spoke up for what they knew to be true, what they have seen or heard or experienced. They declared the truth. The Greek word is the one from which we get our English word martyr. For many of those early believers, to bear witness to the truth was to offer up their lives. AS they spoke out about their faith, so they put their lives in danger. Not only did the Jews harass them but also the Romans saw them as a potential threat. Thus many of the Roman leaders sought to persecute them. In particular Emperor Diocletian carried out a systematic program of oppression. He later had a coin minted that was inscribed ‘The Christian religion is destroyed and the worship of the gods is restored.” He was getting a little ahead of himself however for such was not the case!

Yes, empowered to bear witness to the truth that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God. Where were the disciples to go to bear such witness?

Ø Empowered to bear witness to all nations

Jesus was clear about where the disciples should go as they sought to bear witness.

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

Just how far were they to go in sharing the Good News? Begin at home then move out. Start sharing with those around you. And remember the important truth – share the Gospel and if you have to, use words. Live out the truth of God’s Word. Let your light shine before others, beginning with your own family and friends. That is Jerusalem. Then move towards Judea. This is the region nearby that is culturally similar to your own. The barriers are small so move in and share.

Next is the challenge to go to Samaria, to people of a different cultural background. Perhaps they have similar religious beginnings but it is getting harder. Your dependence on the Holy Spirit is strong as you seek to demonstrate the truth of the gospel.

Finally is the challenge to go to the ends of the earth, to cultural groups that are far from your experience. Perhaps you will need to learn another language, to go to a Bible College to study at a deeper level. But be willing to do just that. Empowered from on high God will enable you to do what he calls you to do.

Ø Become part of what God is doing now in the world!

The challenge is thus before us, just as it was for the early disciples. As a small-persecuted minority they turned their world upside down. Empowered by God’s Holy Spirit they moved from village to village sharing the Good News of Jesus. Slowly small groups of believers were formed in one town after another. In just a few short years, the gospel had spread from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria and then to the far reaches of the Roman world.

Each new generation of believers needs to be obedient in the same way as these early disciples were. Daily trusting in the power and presence of God’s Holy Spirit, seek to shine your light and be salt where ever God has placed you. Be open for God to move you to another part of his world. Yes, empowered from on high, let us move forward in obedience!

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