Power Through the Spirit
Acts 1:4–5, 8; Acts 2:1–4
“Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised… John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses…”
Before Jesus ascended, He gave the disciples a command that likely felt confusing. They were told not to go. Not yet. Even after the resurrection, even after walking with Jesus for years, even after receiving instruction directly from Him, they were still not ready to move forward. Something was missing.
Jesus did not question their sincerity. He did not question their belief. He made it clear that belief alone was not enough. What they needed was power. And that power would only come through the Holy Spirit. This tells us something important. Good intentions do not replace spiritual empowerment. Passion does not replace presence.
Acts 2 tells us that when the day of Pentecost arrived, the believers were together in one place. They were not strategizing. They were not planning a movement. They were waiting in obedience. Suddenly, the Spirit came. Luke describes the moment with language that points to God’s nearness. Sound from heaven. Fire resting on each of them. They were all filled. Not some. Not the leaders only. All.
Immediately, everything changed. Fear loosened its grip. Confusion gave way to clarity. Silence turned into proclamation. The same people who had hidden behind locked doors now stood publicly and declared who Jesus was. The Holy Spirit did not make them comfortable. He made them bold.
Luke wants us to understand that the Holy Spirit was not given so believers could feel spiritually complete. He was given so believers could obey. Witness requires power. Faithfulness requires endurance. Mission requires courage. God never guides His people into mission without supplying what is needed to carry it out.
This is the continuation of the Christmas story. God with us becomes God in us. What began with Jesus dwelling among humanity continues with the Spirit dwelling within believers. The same Spirit who overshadowed Mary, filled Elizabeth, restored Zechariah, led Simeon, and empowered Jesus is now poured out on the church.
Where God guides, He supplies. When God guides us into His mission, He supplies the power to obey through His Spirit. We are not asked to do this on our own. We are invited to depend fully on Him.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I acknowledge that I need You. I do not want a faith that stays hidden or powerless. Fill me and empower me to live as a witness for Jesus. Give me courage to obey and strength to remain faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised… John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses…”
Before Jesus ascended, He gave the disciples a command that likely felt confusing. They were told not to go. Not yet. Even after the resurrection, even after walking with Jesus for years, even after receiving instruction directly from Him, they were still not ready to move forward. Something was missing.
Jesus did not question their sincerity. He did not question their belief. He made it clear that belief alone was not enough. What they needed was power. And that power would only come through the Holy Spirit. This tells us something important. Good intentions do not replace spiritual empowerment. Passion does not replace presence.
Acts 2 tells us that when the day of Pentecost arrived, the believers were together in one place. They were not strategizing. They were not planning a movement. They were waiting in obedience. Suddenly, the Spirit came. Luke describes the moment with language that points to God’s nearness. Sound from heaven. Fire resting on each of them. They were all filled. Not some. Not the leaders only. All.
Immediately, everything changed. Fear loosened its grip. Confusion gave way to clarity. Silence turned into proclamation. The same people who had hidden behind locked doors now stood publicly and declared who Jesus was. The Holy Spirit did not make them comfortable. He made them bold.
Luke wants us to understand that the Holy Spirit was not given so believers could feel spiritually complete. He was given so believers could obey. Witness requires power. Faithfulness requires endurance. Mission requires courage. God never guides His people into mission without supplying what is needed to carry it out.
This is the continuation of the Christmas story. God with us becomes God in us. What began with Jesus dwelling among humanity continues with the Spirit dwelling within believers. The same Spirit who overshadowed Mary, filled Elizabeth, restored Zechariah, led Simeon, and empowered Jesus is now poured out on the church.
Where God guides, He supplies. When God guides us into His mission, He supplies the power to obey through His Spirit. We are not asked to do this on our own. We are invited to depend fully on Him.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, I acknowledge that I need You. I do not want a faith that stays hidden or powerless. Fill me and empower me to live as a witness for Jesus. Give me courage to obey and strength to remain faithful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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