Mighty In Power

     Power. Leaders lust for it. People are impressed by it. Others are dominated by it. Military might. Political position. Economic Status. Physical strength. All are symbols of power. And some people are obsessed with power. They will do anything to get it. Everything to hold on to it. And are in denial when they are unable to exercise it. The power in Jesus’ day resided in Rome. Everyone knew it. Their empirical rule reached across the known world. The power was evident in their army. Their outposts of culture. Their massive building programs. Their roads. And, of course, their ruler. He was Pontifex Maximus. The Jews in Jesus day had little power. They were subjugated by Roman and their rulers. When the Sanhedrin Court found Jesus guilty of treason, they had no power to sentence Him. Or to execute Him.

So Jesus was brought to the Roman Governor, Pontus Pilate. John records that Jesus did not respond to the Governor’s interrogation. “Then Pilate said to Him, ‘Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?’” (John 19:10). Soon the force of the government’s power was brought to bear on Jesus of Nazareth. Pilate’s decree of death. The armored soldiers with spear and sword. Merciless beating. Mocking. Ridicule. And finally Jesus was nailed to the wooden cross He was forced to carry. Rome displayed its power on this “helpless” man.

On Sunday he who was “helpless” arose from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:11). Rome’s power was negated. Death’s power was overcome. The tomb’s power couldn’t hold him! And so Paul proclaimed that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” And the blood shed became a powerful cleansing agent to wash away the sins of the world (Heb 9:12) Even those who crucified Him! (Acts 2:36-42).Ironically, the massive Roman Empire fell. It’s kingdom is no longer. It’s influence limited to history. It’s power finished. Yet, the Kingdom established by the One they killed lives on. It continues to flourish. It’s influence stretches around the world. And it’s power? Demonstrated in the cross. Proclaimed through the Gospel. Evidenced in changed lives. And one day will be consummated in our own bodily resurrection. Our own powerful victory over the Ruler of darkness, death and sin.

So, you’re worried about what happens in Washington? Who’s President? Who’s elected to Congress? What happens on Wall Street? What the power brokers of the world do? Forget it! He has delivered us from the power of darkness. We’re strong in the power of His might. And we are complete in Christ, who is the head of all principality and power.  (Col. 1:11,13; 2:10)

Eric