247. Power for what?

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes ON YOU." - (Acts 1:8) Power for what ? To be his witnesses! Can't we be his witnesses with our words? What is the need for power to be his witnesses? The power is not only for the working of signs, wonders and miracles, but the spoken word itself can become a carrier of God's power to effect change around us, just as the words of Jesus did! "For the one whom God has sent speaks the word of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit." - (John 3:34) "The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life." - (John 6:63) And 'even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.' - (John 8:30) That was why Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: 'Our Gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.' - (1 Thessalonians 1:5) How else could the people be cut to heart when Peter said, "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ" ? When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other Apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" - (Acts 2:36-37) How could such a change be brought about in the people, if it not were for the power of God that filled his words? Evidently, Peter addressed the crowd soon after he was filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost! In another instance, at the house of Cornelius, 'while Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.' - (Acts 10:44) We too ought to speak to others the word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. "Be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.' - (Ephesians 5:18-19) 'If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.' - (1 Peter 4:11) 'For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.' - (Hebrews 4:12) If our casual words can carry the power of God, how much more can words of prophecy? 'For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.' - (2 Peter 1:21) That is why Paul exhorted the Church to prophesy ( 1 Corinthians 14:4-5), just as Ezekiel was commanded by God to prophesy to the dry bones. (Ezekiel 37:4-8) It's time that we tarry in His presence to receive the power of the Holy Spirit so that we might become witnesses of Christ, not just with our holy living, but also with words spoken in the fullness of the Spirit and with acts that demonstrate the power of the Spirit of resurrection. Amen.