God’s Power Serves His Purposes

God’s Power Serves His Purposes

By Pastor Aggrey Soyekwo

Luke 9:54-56 “And when his disciples James and John saw [this], they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save [them]. And they went to another village.” KJV

They were on their way to Jerusalem. Jesus sent some of His disciples ahead to prepare the way. On getting there, the Samaritans didn’t welcome them. James and John, aware how prophet Elijah by God’s power had called down fire to consume the sacrifices, knowing and having witnessed Jesus’ power to do all kinds of miracles, then asked if Jesus could authorize them to call fire to destroy these rebellious Samaritans. Jesus turned and rebuked them for such a thought, reminding them that their manner of spirit was NOT to destroy but to save lives.

True Jesus had, and still has the ultimate power and authority to do anything. He had also given it to His disciples. But it was not, and never will be for use in any other manner other than to save lives, do His will (which is never evil) and glorify Him. The disciples wanted to use it for revenge, to pinish these bad guys. In the believer in Christ resides the power of God that comes with the Holy Spirit in us (Acts 1:8). Jesus commissioned the church to go to the whole world and make disciples. He entrusted His power and authority with the church so as to carry on His works on earth the same way He did (Matt 28:18-20).

It’s important that we understand the purpose and right use of this power and authority, otherwise it will be abused. It’s never meant to promote and boost our names or ministries, and make some appear more powerful than others. It is given for us to be His effective witnesses, save souls and glorify God and do His good pleasure. God does not display His power just to show how great He is. He doesn’t need to.

May every gospel minister watch out against this temptation to use this power for self centred reasons. Some wrongfully think they can ask God to do anything they wish. The Sovereign God is NOT our servant, but we are His servants. I believe one reason we don’t see much of the release of God’s power is because people are not well prepared to use in the right way. God then withholds it since it may cause more harm than good as it would have happened in that Samaritan village.

Shalom children of God. Have fruitful week