Have You Received the Power of the Spirit from on High?

⁶Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸But 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.” (Acts 1:6-8)

     The disciples stood with Jesus one last time before his ascension into heaven. Their hearts were full of expectation. Jesus promised them power.

     The disciples asked, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). They were looking for power, but they imagined political power, a restored earthly kingdom. Jesus promised a very different power.

     It’s not the power to build a nation, control governments, or establish a . . . . Christian kingdom on earth. Throughout history, some believers have chased that kind of goal. But Jesus never promised it. Instead, he promised the power of the Spirit, the power of the gospel.

     We’d love to see our nation and government full of sincere Christians as God’s gracious will allows it. However, it’s not guaranteed. Our primary focus is being witnesses to Jesus’ spiritual kingdom formed by the Holy Spirit.

     It’s the power behind Christ’s commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations… baptizing… and teaching” (Matthew 28:19–20). It’s the power that rescues sinners “from the dominion of darkness … into the kingdom of the Son” (Colossians 1:13–14) where we find forgiveness. It’s the power that leads to “a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom” (2 Peter 1:11).

     Jesus now reigns from heaven. His kingdom is real and eternal. If you believe in him, you already have his power. The power is the Holy Spirit working through the message of repentance and forgiveness.

     Trust that power. Share that message. That’s the kingdom Jesus wants all to be a part of.