Today, in Acts 1, we see Jesus appearing to the apostles after his death. They are worried. Even as Jesus is speaking to them, you can hear the anxiety in their questions. Will you restore us now? Will you make us free, finally? They ask. It’s funny, I find myself asking the same questions. What is the point in Jesus if we cannot be free, right? Of course, when I finally submit and ask the questions of God, I get the same answers.
You see, I have the same expectations as the disciples. Now that I believe in Jesus and know that his work is complete, I expect life to get easy. But that is not what Jesus does. It never has been. Take a look at Jesus’ response in verse 7. Effectively, he says I cannot answer that. That is for God to answer only. So, no, I cannot do that for you. Meh. That is a tough answer!
Or is it? Think about it. Who would I become if everything was just handed to me? So, short of death and perfection in heaven, Jesus offers something better. Power. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). Now, before you dismiss that gift because it’s not what you want, right now, let’s consider what it is.
According to Strong’s Concordance, the word power is translated from the Greek word dunamis. It is defined as power, might, and strength. I get a better understanding of it, however, from studying how this word is used in the Bible. Consider these: physical power, force, might, ability, efficacy, energy, meaning, powerful deeds, deeds showing physical power, and marvelous works. That’s quite a list!
When I finally consider the power that the Holy Spirit provides, I see that my original question is the wrong one. What if I began asking to be empowered by the Holy Spirit? What might he choose to do in me and through me? What about you? There is only one catch. In order to become it, we must first choose to accept and receive it.