Preparing Our Hearts for Annual Session: 30 Days of Prayer and Devotion - Day 13

Day 13 - The Spirit Empowers

Rev. Nicholas Johnson

Pastor, First Baptist Peddie Memorial Church 

ABCNJ, Executive and Council Secretary

Scripture:  Acts 1:8 — "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…"

Reflection:

Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8 come in the context of curious disciples who have witnessed both the

trauma of the crucifixion and the triumph of the resurrection. They ask Jesus, “Lord, are you at this time

going to restore the kingdom of Israel (v.6)?” The disciples have been anxiously waiting for their

ancient expectations of the warrior-king Messiah to be fulfilled. Certainly, the Risen Jesus

will fulfill those expectations. Jesus’ reply that such knowledge is reserved only for God might

seem disappointing at first glance; however, there is a “BUT...”

The disciples are told that they will soon receive something more precious and enduring

than earthly political power. They will receive Holy Pneuma (breath, spirit, wind) power. This is

not the first time Jesus promises such power to his disciples (cf. Luke 24:49; John 14:16-17, 26).

Jesus makes this promise for the final time before his ascension because the ministry his disciples

are about to undertake will require power sourced directly and exclusively from God. On the day

of Pentecost, God makes good on this repeated promise.

Like the earliest disciples, we need to be reminded that God’s promise of Holy Pneuma power

is still good. Holy Pneuma power is not about domination and control but about diakonia

(servanthood) and compassion. We are empowered to continue the ministry of Jesus the

Nazarene, who healed and transformed lives, entering towns and cities either on foot or on a

donkey. We are witnesses of this Messiah, who empowers disciples to proclaim healing and

transformation to communities across the world in the name of the Prince of Peace.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, breathe Your life and power into us. Free us from the desire to control and teach us to embrace the power of Christlike service, compassion, and peace. Give us the courage to go where You send us, to love those You place before us, and to faithfully bear witness to the healing and transforming grace of Jesus. Amen.

Practice: Begin your day by asking, “Holy Spirit, where are You sending me today?” Pay attention to the people and situations you encounter. When an opportunity to offer compassion, encouragement, healing, or service arises, respond rather than pass it by.