THE GOSPEL EMPOWERS
Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.
Matthew 10:1 (NLT)
What are some of the most powerful things you remember Jesus doing? He raised the dead—certainly, that’s got to be toward the top of the list. He walked on water, commanded the wind and the waves, turned water into wine, healed the sick, and cast out demons, just to name a few. We sing about some of these things—declaring that there is power in both the blood and the name of Jesus.
But do we realize that He imparts that same power to us?
The verse above clearly states that Jesus empowered His disciples to work powerful miracles in His name and on His behalf. But you may think that this was granted only to these specific men at this specific moment in history. And yet Jesus said the following:
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it!” John 14:12-13 (NLT)
Anyone who believes includes you and me. As redeemed sons and daughters of the Father, we’re empowered by the Spirit in the name of Jesus to accomplish the good deeds He prepared for us long ago (see Ephesians 2:10). So why don’t we see more miraculous things happen in our midst? There are two answers. One is that we do see miracles, but we fail to grasp that they are, in fact, miracles. When someone embraces the Gospel, passing from death to life, that is a miracle to be celebrated! But the other reason is that perhaps we don’t believe that God will work miracles the same way today as He did then. But look at what Jesus says: “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them.
“I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Matthew 17:20 (NLT)
APPLICATION: Today, let’s ask God to grow our faith. Let’s ask Him to work powerfully in and through us for His glory. Let’s read and reflect on Acts 1:8, believing God will grant us power through His Spirit. Let’s also ask Him to help us recognize the miraculous that’s already happening for what it is.
PRAYER: Almighty God, grow my faith in You. Help me in my unbelief. Work powerfully in and through me, that my life would bring You much glory. Thank You for what you’ve done, what You’re doing, and what You will do in the future. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?