Power

With two of the most powerful and destructive hurricanes in recorded history in our rear view mirror, the retelling of harrowing accounts of wind, rain, flooding, trees down and loss of electricity are numerous.  The first question most folks in our area are asking is, “Is your power back on yet?”  One lady posted a statement that struck me.  She realized how much she took for granted the simple task of flipping a light switch when she walked into a room.  It was her minds’ boggle that if she just kept flipping the switch, somehow the power would come back on.  Let’s talk about that…

In the Old Testament book of Judges chapters 13 through 15 we read about the powerful Sampson.  His supernatural strength was awe inspiring and effective.  That power was directly tied to a vow of sanctification his parents made unto the Lord that he would be a Nazarite (ch13:5). But Sampson dabbled in wickedness and swam off into open sin.  He broke so many of the vows that his office as judge and Nazarite required.  But, there was one thing that retained the power to conquer and overcome anyone or anything at any time.  One night he laid his head in the lap of that wicked temptress, Delilah.  He teased her thinking he was unstoppable and all powerful.  Then in chapter 16 verse 17 he told her the secret of his Power.  As he slept his head was shaved and Sampson’s power left him.

Verse 20 has come to my mind many times over the years when someone found themselves in a sin-weakened condition.  It says that Sampson “awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as other times before, and shake myself.”  But not this time.  Average men took him captive and put out Sampson’s eyes.  His Power was gone and he would be in darkness till the day he died.

Will we wake today and head to church this Sunday morning as so many times before, shake ourselves, and expect the Power to be there like flipping a switch, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof (II Tim 3:1-5).  Can we know the Power of God in Sunday school, in the choir, in the pew, at the piano, with a mic in our hand, behind the pulpit, without living an obedient life that distances itself from sin and the snares of temptation.  Can we dabble in wickedness through the week and expect the Power on Sunday.  NO. Period.  Can we know the Power without prayer, purity or preparation.  No.  Just like that transformer on the pole out by your house sends Power to the circuits of your home, giving light, we must be tapped into the transforming power source, the Lord Jesus Christ, to have the light and power.  We hope and pray that your power is on.

God Bless You!

BroAdamB