Dynamite Represents Power, Part 1
Back in the day I used to watch ‘Good Times’ and the eldest son, JJ, would always say ‘Dynamite.’ That was his expression when things would be in his favor. I was reminded of that word as I was watching the news when demolition began on an historic100-year-old building turned eyesore in Dayton Ohio. I watched as the implosion took place. People had a ringside seat as they watched history take place before their eyes. As some of the town’s people were interviewed the question in their minds was what is coming next in its place.
I am reminded of Acts 1:8 (NIV): “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Every child of God has power, but do we realize that we are walking, talking sticks of dynamite? This is the power, not of itself, but power from the spirit of God which abides within each and every one of us.
What does it mean to have that power? (1) Having power means having capacity or ability. Jesus promised His disciples that once the Holy Spirit came upon them, they would have a ‘new ability’ to walk in victory to see things through Heaven’s eyes. (2) Power is more the ability of ‘being’ rather than ‘doing.’ Believers would ‘be’ witnesses, not just ‘do’ witnessing. (3) The power to be a witness, or evangelism, is a process, not just an event. It involves a total lifestyle change, not just occasional efforts. (4) Each of us as believers must realize that the power of the Holy Spirit is not of ourselves, but from God. In the Old Testament, the power of the Holy Spirit came ‘upon’ a person; in the New Testament, Christ and His power resides ‘in’ us.
I am reminded of Acts 1:8 (NIV): “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Every child of God has power, but do we realize that we are walking, talking sticks of dynamite? This is the power, not of itself, but power from the spirit of God which abides within each and every one of us.
What does it mean to have that power? (1) Having power means having capacity or ability. Jesus promised His disciples that once the Holy Spirit came upon them, they would have a ‘new ability’ to walk in victory to see things through Heaven’s eyes. (2) Power is more the ability of ‘being’ rather than ‘doing.’ Believers would ‘be’ witnesses, not just ‘do’ witnessing. (3) The power to be a witness, or evangelism, is a process, not just an event. It involves a total lifestyle change, not just occasional efforts. (4) Each of us as believers must realize that the power of the Holy Spirit is not of ourselves, but from God. In the Old Testament, the power of the Holy Spirit came ‘upon’ a person; in the New Testament, Christ and His power resides ‘in’ us.