Recognizing Power!
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a SOUND MIND. 2 Timothy 1:7
We all agree the “power of God” was manifested through Jesus during His ministry here on earth; but in the life of Jesus, what did that power look like? The word gives several descriptions which don’t really seem to fit the modern view of strength and power. “He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.” Matthew 12:19-21 “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath neither form nor comeliness: and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; he was despised and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:2-3
Jesus often spoke to large gatherings, but always took the time to minister to individuals –whatever their status in life. Examples of one-to-one and small group ministry are not difficult to find – here are only a few: The Samaritan woman at the well. John 4:9 The healing of the blind man. Mark 8:22-23 Lazarus of Bethany. John 11:1-44 Lame man at Pool of Bethesda. John 5:2-9 Nicodemus. John 3:1-10 Little children who came to Him. Matthew 19:13-14 One of the most extraordinary examples of “power” in the life of Jesus occurred during the final hours before the crucifixion. After suffering horrible and humiliating acts of cruelty, being publicly beaten and whipped. He quietly and resolutely answers Pilate; “I am the truth” and “you could have no power over me unless allowed by the Father”. Even when it must have been the most difficult time to do so, He patiently gave Pilate a lesson in what comprised the “real truth” of life. He shows love and faithfulness to those directly involved with His crucifixion by forgiving them. What an example of real power!
How do you and I think of power? What do we see as true strength? On a personal level, what is the true power and strength of our life? Jesus had the type of strength and power that was much different than we usually see. Even the first disciples missed this, and wondered when He would restore the kingdom to Israel, and drive out the Romans. So know for sure that His power was more than mere assertiveness, persistence, or physical strength. His strength was borne out of truth and the power of the Spirit, as He completely gave Himself to the Father’s will, plan, and purposes. Hallelujah 🙌
Yours in Christ,
Apostle Ashok Martin