But ye shall receive power
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8 KJV)
Jesus told the disciples they would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. The coming of the Holy Spirit was both the presence of God and the power of God in them. In Luke 24:49, Jesus said:
“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49 KJV).
God clothes us with power by giving us the Spirit. A distinctive feature of this power in the book of Acts is miracles, gifts of the Spirit and boldness to proclaim the Gospel. Power is mandatory for effective witnessing.
The Church was born in power and can only fulfill its purpose in power. God’s will is clearly seen in this verse: He wants you clothed with power, always, at all times. If the Apostles needed power to establish the Church’s foundation, we can be sure we will need power to build upon it.
Power is not only for Pentecostals or charismatic Christians. It is for you, the believer in Christ. Your success in daily Christian living and service hinges on this verse being practically operational in your life. It is a reminder that it is not by might or by power but by my Spirit.
MEDITATE
What was the purpose of the power given to the Apostles according to the verse above? What are the different ways this power manifested in their lives, as seen in the book of Acts?
APPLY THE WORD
The Church loses its value, place, and commission without power. It becomes a non-profit organization or a social club of “Jesus lovers”. Few things will frustrate you as a believer as the absence of the power of God in your life. Grow in the power of the Spirit.
PRAY
Thank the Father for the gift of the power of the Spirit.
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