January 20 - Christ Possessed the Holy Spirit's Power
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. - Luke 4:14
It was glorious news for sin-burdened men and women in Galilee when Jesus ministered to them "in the power of the Spirit." In the hour of temptation He had defeated Satan. When Jesus returned to minister unto men He was the channel for unlimited power. Not only was He the channel of power, but He "emptied Himself." These words indicate that He gave all His strength and life to others. Christ's service was completely unselfish.
Henry van Dyke, speaking of redemption, says of the Master: "Through loneliness and sorrow He descended into our grave. If it were merely a human being who had done this for us it would be much, but since it was a divine being it was infinitely more precious. Think of the almighty One becoming weak, the glorious One suffering shame, the holy One dwelling amongst sinners. The very Son of God pouring out His blood for us upon the accursed tree! It is this divinity in the sacrifice that gives power to reconcile and bind our hearts to God."
Every follower of the Man of Galilee should be engrossed in one business. He is to take up his own cross and follow his Master. Paul made the great declaration of his life when he was past fifty years of age. He exclaimed, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." There are no burned out ashes of hope in his testimony. His hardships had not discouraged him. His dominant purpose in life was ever to be a channel of God's power.
We can be channels of power if we empty our lives of vanity and selfishness. Why should not our hearts be changed so that we can possess this abundant fullness? God is ready. The Holy Spirit is waiting to gain entrance into our hearts. Everything is prepared if only we are prepared. What are we waiting for? It is God who worketh both to will and to do. Let us accept this grace and strength today! - Neff
author tnoe@squatterz.com
January 20 - Christ Possessed the Holy Spirit's Power
> 17572