“Then he called his twelve disciples together and gave them power” (Luke 9:1, NKJV).
Jesus gave his disciples power not because they were ambitious but because they were his. Belonging to Christ is a nonnegotiable to receiving his power. Power is birthed out of belonging. Belonging brings real power.
So many Christians lead powerless lives with habitual sin practices, a poor testimony and a weak spiritual life. A lack of a fervent, radical prayer life will thwart answers to their prayers.
Do you feel powerless? The verse above, although short, is loaded with words of power. Let’s look at them.
“Called” — meaning not our own agenda, direction, self-will or resources of power.
“Disciples” — those who abandon all to follow the life, teaching and direction of the teacher.
“Together” — that power is not to be contained in singular vessels but expressed in community and in work toward kingdom purposes.
“Gave” — showing we can do nothing unless Jesus gives us power to do it.
“Power” — it is not what we desire, work for or strive after. It comes only and exclusively through God who gives it. We never outgrow this part of our history as Christians.
Every follower of Jesus is commanded to wait until we are given power from on high.
Think of it this way. Your car battery is dead, and you’re stranded alone on the side of the road. You stand there, staring at the battery, willing it to come alive. “Come on!” you cry. “This can’t be happening!” You pound on the battery, wiggle the connections, turn the key a dozen times. Nothing. The battery is dead, and only external power will bring the juice it needs to start your car. This is you and me without the power of God. We are utterly dependent upon him for our spiritual life.
Are you lacking power? There is no other way to obtain it than to have it given to you by the one you belong to. Jesus has power to give to those who are totally and fully his. Don’t strive for power. Desire to belong fully, passionately, humbly, ambitiously, to the one your heart yearns for. Then power will come to you beyond what you can imagine.