Empower

Empower is almost a buzz word today and is used in many contexts, but what does it mean and how can it be applied for everyday, ordinary people?  To empower means to authorise to act on behalf of.  For example, we might empower a lawyer to act or speak on our behalf, or empower an employee to make decisions for you in your absence.  The people given the power to act on your behalf will be falling down on the job if they don't believe you meant it and so neglect the power to act that they have been given. What does it mean for a believer in Jesus Christ?  A lot!  

We have just passed the Easter season which remembers and celebrates the most important and significant event in the Christian calendar.  Why do we celebrate such a tragic miscarriage of justice?  Because it was planned by God since the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned.  It was a vital part of God's plan to reconcile us himself through the cross. (Colossians 1:20).  But it went much further than that.

When Jesus Christ rose from the dead it was through the power of God working mightily in him (Ephesians 1:19-20).  Jesus had told the disciples previously that it was necessary for him to 'go away', in other words to return to heaven, in order that the Holy Spirit might come upon all who believe (John 16;7).  The last thing Jesus instructed the disciples to do was to 'wait in Jerusalem until they were filled with the Holy Spirit' (Luke 24:49).  This was to empower them to continue the work that Jesus had trained them for.  He had gone away but the Holy Spirit empowered them to act on Jesus' behalf in his absence.

Since Jesus death the disciples and others had spent a lot of time behind locked doors, fearful perhaps of meeting the same fate that Jesus had suffered. But when the day of Pentecost came and they were filled or empowered with the Holy Spirit, they suddenly became brave and fearless and began to preach the gospel and continue Jesus' work of proclaiming the good news of the gospel and performing healing and miracles!

Ephesians 5:18 exhorts us to 'be filled with the Spirit'.  Literally .... filled to overflowing.  Do you think that is still relevant for us today?  I think so.  How else are we to accomplish all that God wants us to in bringing his kingdom to earth.  If the disciples couldn't do the work of ministry and spreading the gospel without the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through them, how much more do we need that today?  In our own strength we will fail or at least fall short, whereas in the power of the Holy Spirit we will be surprised at what God can do through us.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, forgive me for trying to accomplish your work without your power in my life.  Please fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and empower me for the work of the Kingdom to bring you glory.  Amen

Ephesians 3:16-21