(a 5 minute read) Sam was struggling a bit with what the Bible suggests a Lord follower should do in regards POWER. Regardless if this ‘power’ is cultural, familial, political, professional or social. Simply; does the Bible instruct a believer to seek Power for the purpose of spreading the Word?

In the midst of this struggle, Sam had this conversation with Jesus, and here’s how it went;

• Oh Lord, it is so wonderful to know that you are always available for a conversation.

Hello Sam 🙂  what is it that you are wondering about?

• Well, I am actually feeling pretty good about myself. As you know, I am rising within governmental ranks. I know that You are rooting for me, as my goal after all is to bring You more power, as eventually I will contribute to legislating laws of the land. Yet sometimes I wonder.

Jesus laughed out loud and said; I am always rooting for you Sam, but let’s talk a bit about you bringing me power. To your recollection, how does the Bible reference ‘POWER’ in relation to the Lord?

• That’s an easy one Jesus, throughout the Bible there is one story after another about the Lord’s Power. Here’s just some highlights; there is Noah and the flood, there’s the miracles getting the Israelites out of Egypt, there’s Jonah and the whale, then when You healed and drove out demons you’d say it is in the Lord’s name, and when Peter & John were asked by who’s power and authority they heal? The answer of course was by the Power of the Name of the Lord.

  Sam felt pretty good coming through with these quick answers actually.

You make me proud Sam. Do you remember the interaction between me and Pilate about power?

• Sam smiled and through the sound of the pages of the Bible flipping said, I know where to find it……. There it is. Pilate said; do you refuse to speak to me? Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you? Jesus answered; you would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.

  Sam’s grin was like from ear to ear at this point, as this was a tough one.

So in your opinion Sam, how would you characterize my stance on power in my response to Pilate?

• Well, even when you were speaking to the governor at the time when he was about to decree the order of Your crucifixion, You were quite blunt in letting him know not to be conceited about the power he thinks he has.

Jesus smiled as He said; Well done Sam. Then, so far, how would you sum up what the Bible says about Power and the Lord?

• Oh My God………… excuse me Jesus, but that’s quite obvious;
  THERE IS POWER IN USING THE LORD’S NAME…….. Like; In the name of Jesus…… You know……

Amen to that Sam. Now let’s move to the areas and examples in the Bible where I said to my followers; when you get power it brings Power to the Lord. Or where I said; The Lord’s POWER is not sufficient, and therefore the Lord needs you to bring MORE power to the Lord’s name.

• You don’t have to be mean about it Jesus……

Apologies Sam if it is coming across as ‘mean’. I want to make sure you understand where I am coming from.

• You are apologizing to me, OMG. I am the one that needs to apologize, as I do not need to look that one up. Your POWER is sufficient. Your GRACE is sufficient. Your EVERYTHING is sufficient my Lord.

  Tears actually started dripping on Sam’s cheek. Should I just quit what I am doing?

No, no Sam, that’s not what I am saying. Let me clarify;

First, If you feel that you are bringing me POWER, then there is no way that you feel that the I AM is all that POWERFUL. You may know it in your head but your heart cannot sense that I am ALL powerful yet you are bringing me ‘more’ power. It is either one or the other. You’ve heard me say that before, right?
Second, you cannot proclaim to those around you, especially non-believers, that you are doing what you are doing to bring power to the Lord’s name, and in the same breath proclaim to the same people that I am ALL THAT POWERFUL. They’ll believe the one or the other my dear Sam. And since they’re more apt to believe what they see, that being you working so hard to bring me power, then this will overshadow the I AM is ALL POWERFUL.

So Sam, in whatever you choose to do, pray and seek as you do it, but please do not proclaim that it will bring the Lord power. Do not proclaim it to others but more importantly do not proclaim it to yourself, for it is you that is the most precious thing to me, and I do want you, most of all, to feel and believe in your heart that the I AM is ALL POWERFUL.

Therefore, by all means, use the Lord’s name as Power to overcome tribulations and adversities. Use the Lord’s name as Power in celebration and in thanks giving. Use the Lord’s name as Power when things are just so-so. But please do not proclaim to bring Power to the Lord or bring Power to the Lord’s name, as it simply is not in the Bible.

& Sam jumped into Jesus’ arms and they held each other tight

I come to you Lord thankful for who You are, thankful that ‘Your Heart’ throughout the Bible is so very clear. May I continue to work on humbling myself to see ‘Your Heart’ in everything that I learn about You. That I continue to humble myself so I never get conceited in what or why I do things. Well, ‘never’ is probably a tall order, but I’ll continue to remind myself of Your presence as that’ll keep me from being pretentious. I love you and thank you my God and my Lord. Amen.