COMMANDS35 (Power): Goodbook 09-22-15

One of our challenges for 2015 is to learn and live all 50 commands of Jesus. Jesus told us that following his commandments is a way to love him and a way for his love and his joy to fill our lives (John 15:9-12). In his Great Commission, Jesus tells his followers to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything he commanded us (Matthew 28:19-20). So each week in this year we are learning and living one command of Jesus. Here is our command for this week...

Week 35:

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high,” (Luke 24:49).

Application:

One of the mysterious and wonderful things about God is that God is a relationship in God’s self. God is a loving, supportive, united relationship between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We sometimes refer to this relationship as the Trinity, which means “three in one.”

The members of the Trinity all work together, bringing unique blessings into our lives. God the Father creates us and cares for us. God the Son saves us from sin and death. God the Spirit gives us power from on high.

In the passage above, Jesus commands his followers to be “clothed” with power from on high. The word “clothed” comes from the Greek word enduo, which means “to sink into, put on, cloth oneself.” So God is making a power available to us that we are invited to put on just like we would put on clothes.

Before we put on this power, let’s talk about what this power can do in our lives. The power of the Spirit can convict us and set us free from sin (Romans 8:2). The power of the Spirit can help us, comfort us, and guide us (John 14:16). The power of the  Spirit reveals Jesus and reveals truth (John 15:26; 16:13). The power of the Spirit brings spiritual gifts/abilities into our lives that we can use to serve others and build God’s kingdom on earth (1 Corinthians 12). The power of the Spirit can transform us and bear the fruit of the Spirit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). The power of the Spirit can equip us to reach the world with the Good News of Jesus (Acts 1:8).  That's some awesome power!

Jesus commands us to be clothed in the Spirit's power. How do we do that? Let’s reflect again on the meaning of the word “clothed.” One meaning is “to put on.” We put on the Spirit’s power by asking for the Spirit to give us power. We begin every morning by asking for the Spirit to cover us with power from on high so that we can face the challenges of the day and live for God’s glory that day. Another meaning is “to sink into.” We sink into the Spirit’s power when we rely on the Spirit to help us throughout the day. Rather than just trying to do everything on our own, we lean into the Spirit. We pray along the way for the Spirit to help and guide and empower us.

Here’s a challenge for the week:

1. Begin every day by asking the Spirit to cover you with power. You might want to do this while you are putting on your clothes. It would be a good reminder and a symbolic gesture.
2. Consciously lean into the Spirit throughout the day for help, guidance, and power.
3. Keep a journal of how you see the power of the Holy Spirit at work in your life.

Share your comments and application ideas…