“But 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 1:8
I’ve seen many gospel preachings filled with passion and skill, but only a few seem to have the power and gifting of the Spirit.
There is a dynamic shift when we preach Christ from a place of divine power. The disciples were instructed to wait in Jerusalem until they were endowed with power to bear witness (Acts 1:4-5). Previously, they were sent out two by two into cities, with limited success. While some demons obeyed them, they failed to heal or cast out others (Luke 10:1, 17-20). It took over three and a half years for them to effectively witness for Christ. They needed the baptism of the Spirit and fire (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49)!
There is an amazing lesson to be learnt from Samson’s story in Judges 15: while away from home, his Philistine in-laws gave his wife to another man. In response, Samson orchestrated an extraordinary act. He captured 300 foxes, pairing them and tying their tails together, then setting them alight in the Philistine fields. The consequence was catastrophic; wherever the foxes ran, fire followed, resulting in the complete destruction of his in-law’s crops (Judges 15:4-5).
Jesus intended to do same as Samson but with a divine purpose: not to ignite destruction, but to kindle a transformative fire. It’s a fire that purifies without consuming, that burns away impurities and refines like gold. It’s the fire that ignites hearts, enabling them to perceive and embrace the boundless love of the Father.
Read Jesus’ words in Luke 12:49: “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!”
Jesus was prepared to set the world ablaze for his Father, igniting love and passion in the hearts of men. He instructed his disciples to await the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). Suddenly, like a mighty rushing wind, the Holy Spirit descended upon the 120 gathered. Flames appeared over each of them, and they were filled with power. Everywhere they went, they ignited the fire of God, becoming bearers of His glory. Are you a human torch, ablaze for Jesus? Do you leave the fragrance of God’s glory wherever you’ve been?
May the presence of God we carry ignite His fire in every place we tread. May the overflowing love of God spill out from us, making Christ known to all.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk