Acts 16:16-34; John 17:20-26; Luke 24:44-53
Our stories today are about power,
varying types of power. What does it mean to be powerful? Some would say it
means to have authority, such as a king or queen, or president. Some would say
it means to have so much wealth you don’t care what people say about you.
She uses her power – or is used by the spirit within her – to harass the Apostles Paul and Silas. Eventually, Paul is exasperated by her harassment and banishes the demon. Now, the girl has lost her value to the “owners”. What will they do with her? The story doesn’t say. Perhaps Paul and Silas bring her into the Jesus Way. Perhaps the “owners” send her to do the dishes.
The
“owners” of the girl have power over her, because they say where and when she
will appear. They control the purse – the girl offers “fortunes” after the
person pays the “owners”. But
the “owners” are now angry at their lost income, and use their political power to
get Paul and Silas in trouble. Accused of causing an insurrection, they have
Paul and Silas beaten and jailed.
However,
the jailer is still afraid those above him in authority – those who have power
over him - will accuse him of causing the earthquake, or fire him because the
prisoners have to be relocated and the prison rebuilt. He wants to be saved
from such trouble. Or maybe … he is truly interested in knowing what
Paul and Silas are preaching and teaching and singing about, and he wants to be
saved spiritually. He wants access to the power the disciples have. He and his
household gain the power of belief in Jesus.
Jesus tells the disciples, and us today, that they will have power by remaining united. It doesn’t mean that they have to agree on everything, but their guiding message is to “love one another as Jesus has loved them.” There is power in love. There is power in loving and in being loved, and it is love that brings about unity, even when it doesn’t bring about uniformity.
It's important to remember that after Jesus’ resurrection he spent 40 days appearing to the disciples at various times and places. I believe it was to help the disciples get ready for spreading the news of the resurrection in the days and years to come.
Jesus has the power to be in the Uvalde classroom with the children and teachers, and in the Buffalo grocery store, and in the Pulse Night Club in 2016, and in all the other places where guns have been used to harm others. He was with those who were being murdered, and also with those who were in so much pain they felt they had no choice but to pull the trigger. Jesus is with those in Ukraine and Sudan and Somalia and Afghanistan. And in the homes of those who are hungry every day, right here in Marion Oaks.
So, what about us? If we believe in Jesus, we have access to his power because of his love for us.
We have the power to tell others about Jesus’ love and forgiveness, and bring them healing.
We have the power to advocate for justice for all in our communities, as well as for protection for all that God created. Perhaps this week you will advocate for laws that reduce gun violence.
When we connect with God’s power, we are powerful. In fact, we are power-ful. What will you do today with all that power?