Lightning Power

When was the last time you watched lightning bolts race across a darkened sky? Was it terrifying yet amazing at the same time? Did the noise remind you of fireworks from big Fourth of July celebrations? 

Power has enticed all of us at some point in time. I recall being a youngster and enthralled by superheroes like Mighty Mouse and even fairy godmothers. We would use our shirts for capes and find sticks suitable for wands! It seems funny now, but our active imaginations came alive. 

The Bible is filled with superheroes who did exploits in the name of the Lord. Consider Sampson from the book of Judges 14-16, or King David and his mighty men (1 Chronicles 11). Our ultimate example of a superhero, of course, is Jesus, the miracle-working, God-Man. 

First Corinthians 4 distinguishes between those who talk a good game and real power. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?” (1 Corinthians 4:18-21 ESV)

As children, we recited to one another, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” The lies we believed! Words are powerful. The Apostle Paul gave the Corinthians a choice between hard or soft correction. Personally, I would choose the “spirit of gentleness” without hesitation. 

Paul had demonstrated the power of God’s words before the Corinthians. He fathered them in the faith and was prepared to bring correction to them. He wrote, “For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.” (1 Corinthians 4:15-16)

This chapter is filled with “lightning bolts” that penetrate the soul as words of deep wisdom. We communicate our faith through not only words, but power. This power of the Gospel (the message of the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ) has been changing lives for centuries. As believers in Christ, we get to speak these words of truth. Every time someone comes to Christ, the power of God manifests and draws them into the Kingdom of God. Miracles are the Word of God in action. We speak in faith, believing the Word, and thus allow the power of God to manifest. Our relationship with the Lord brings us into direct connection with the power of God, Holy Spirit! Armed with this wisdom, we, too, demonstrate God’s power through the anointing of His Holy Spirit.

I challenge us to demonstrate the power of God. Let us dare to share the Gospel, lay hands on the sick or cast out devils. We have the power in Christ!

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Scripture is quoted from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced