“The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family.7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Acts 4.5-7
When I think of power, I think of the engines on rockets from SpaceX sending people into orbit. The amount of thrust required to extend beyond earths atmosphere is simply amazing. Fighting against gravity, propelling a space ship weighing millions of pounds is a feat beyond my imagination.
Now consider the power required to heal someone who is lame or to raise someone from the dead. It’s a different kind of power, certainly, but it’s still power.
The power to heal the sick requires power with authority. Authority over the laws of nature, not just gravity. Power to bend nature, to create on the spot new life or to grow new bones is creation-power. It’s held only by one Source and that’s God himself. Lifting a space ship to the moon is a humanly impressive feet but raising a body from the grave is divinely orchestrated.
Peter and John had healed a sick person and were being persecuted for it because the Jews did not understand how this happened. They say so themselves when they ask, ”By what power or what name did you do this?” We know that it’s only by the name of Jesus, and by the power of God, that healings and miracles can take place. The Jews probably knew this too but they did not believe. They crucified Jesus and by doing so, they set in motion that which they could not understand or accept.
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead, Romans 8.11 says, lives in us. We have the power to heal, the power to rescue, the power to redeem. Through Jesus, we have the same abilities these early disciples did. Some would argue against this point but I believe we are only limited by what we believe or by our lack of faith.
The power, which is accessible to all believers, is power to help restore God’s creation back to himself. It’s intended to bring people back into a saving knowledge of the Lord and to help understand our purpose in His Kingdom.
“ O Lord God, thank you for your saving power. Thank you for the power to heal, to live, to redeem, to create. Thank you that we have access this to power. To do even greater works than what you did! It’s hard to imagine. Come now, Holy Spirit, bring your power home to my heart. Allow me to access this strength and power so that the world might know. Help me proclaim to this world a living Savior, faithful and just in all his ways. I love you Lord and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen