Real Power
Jul 15, 2019 2749
We all like to feel powerful. No-one likes to be weak, right? But what if power doesn’t look like we think it does? What if the way that we see power is all wrong?
To understand what power really is, we need to be able to see it through the eyes of Jesus. In the Gospel according to John, chapter 13, we are given a glimpse of what power looks like to Jesus. Verse 3 starts like this:
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God
We already know that Jesus is all-powerful, so there are no surprises here. But the surprise comes in the next verse:
so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet…(John 13:4, NIV).
Jesus stands up. He’s going to show us his power!
But Jesus does something very unexpected. He takes off his outer clothing. We think of power as adding things to ourselves. But for Jesus, power is about giving things up.
Then Jesus wraps a towel around his waist. In other words, he takes off his clothes and dresses himself as a servant. Doesn’t that beautifully represent the whole incarnation?
And now Jesus shows us what power looks like to him. He does the work of a servant. He pours the water, and he bends down, and he washes his disciples’ feet. That’s what power looks like to Jesus.
The power that drives the universe is the selfless love that comes from the Father.
But this was just an anticipation of when a few days later when he would demonstrate the greatest power in the universe.
He made himself a servant. Once again, he was undressed, though not by his own hands. Then he bent down low, even to the Cross to which he was nailed. And there he washed your life of all its failures, dirt, and degradation. He made you acceptable to God and fit to live forever.
That’s what power looks like to Jesus.
The power that drives the universe is the selfless love that comes from the Father. That’s why there’s no more powerful person in the world than the one who puts self aside and kneels in the dust to help another. Or even the weakest saint who kneels to intercede before God for another of God’s children.
So, next time you see yourself as weak, remember that might not be how God sees it, if you are trusting in Jesus. The prophet Joel says,
Let the weak say, ‘I am strong’(Joel 3:10, NKJV).
That’s for you. Because of Jesus.
– Eliezer Gonzalez
andriamaheriniaina
Jul 22, 2019
Thank you for the message. Be blessed !
Rosario Joy Capilitan
Jul 22, 2019
Yes, Amen to that
Olaoye Olaoluwa Oluwaseun
Jul 22, 2019
Our God is faithful God , he accepted us as low we were in his sight,we are full of unrighteousness, in him we have Peace and love... We love you Lord.
Eliezer Gonzalez
Jul 22, 2019
Very true
Evettte Mc Gaw
Jul 21, 2019
All power is given through God for inspiration bless the name of the Lord
Okorie okechukwu Adolphus
Jul 21, 2019
Yes power is good and Jesus demonstrated how to it, as the most powerful yet he bent down to a savant by washing his disciples feets and also lay his life for our sin but so called men of God in Nigeria doesn't understand it that way some buy private jet some move around with escort no humiliation, my prayers is for them to repent and realize the use of power through Jesus
Akogu Makoji onuche
Jul 21, 2019
I am edified by today's devotional. I know e Jesus is my strength. My strength is in Him.
Msafiri P
Jul 21, 2019
Really power is demonstrated on the cross when God was in His son reconciling the universe to Himself, In Christ we have been atoned and washed, Praise God
Tom Durst
Jul 21, 2019
It is difficult for human beings to understand that the power which originates in the heart of the Father, and fully revealed in His Son Jesus while He was on earth, is the REAL power. All other so-called powers will fail in the end.
Evette Mc Gaw
Jul 24, 2019
Amen i am bless and inspired all power and glory be unto Jesus Christ he is worthy let us worship him in spirit and truth Halleuijah.