Source of Power

Dave and I recently went on a train ride through the Red Rock area of Arizona. It was truly a pleasant and relaxing experience. This morning, I was reminded of the logistics of the ride and how it ties in with the last few days’ teaching on following the leader.

Our train had two engines that pull the quarter-mile length of train down the tracks. When we reached our end point the engines decoupled from the rest of the cars. They pulled onto a siding and once on another set of tracks, came alongside the cars we were sitting in and coupled themselves to what had been the caboose.

The caboose had no power to pull this train, it needed the strength, the horse-power of the engines.

In our walk with Christ, we need to determine our source of power and strength and let HIM lead. Just like the rich young ruler, we won’t be really following unless we are willing to give up everything and go for it!

“Jesus replied, ‘If you want to be perfect, go sell everything you own! Give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and be my follower.’ 22 When the young man heard this, he was sad, because he was very rich. 23 Jesus said to his disciples, ‘It’s terribly hard for rich people to get into the kingdom of heaven! 24 In fact, it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into God’s kingdom.’

25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly surprised and asked, ‘How can anyone ever be saved?’ 26 Jesus looked straight at them and said, ‘There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything.’

27 Peter replied, ‘Remember, we have left everything to be your followers! What will we get?’ 28 Jesus answered: “Yes, all of you have become my followers. And so in the future world, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, I promise that you will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 All who have given up home or brothers and sisters or father and mother or children or land for me will be given a hundred times as much. They will also have eternal life. 30 But many who are now first will be last, and many who are last will be first.’” Matthew 19:21-30 ERV

Jesus wasn’t saying that you can’t have money or riches and be a dedicated Christian. These were successful businessmen who Jesus was talking too. Peter and Andrew had a fleet of fishing boats; James and John were the CEO and COO of their father’s fishing business and Matthew had been a director at the regional IRS office. They were shocked when Jesus made comment that it is hard for rich men to enter the kingdom.

Jesus quickly responded to their question and said that with God all things are possible. If a man is trusting in his riches, his trust is misplaced but when a rich man trusts God – all things are possible.

Peter reminds the Lord – we left everything to follow you. They weren’t seeking their own advancement any longer, they were following Jesus. They weren’t seeking their own success, but they were advancing God’s kingdom. The difference between the disciples and the rich young ruler who had just left was an attitude of the heart.

Jesus went on to point out that although they had given up everything they had to follow him, they had gained eternal life and that they also would receive 100x as much as they had given. Didn’t Jesus promise that He came to give us life and life more abundantly?

Following Jesus never results in a lost of power. Just the opposite. We become connected to the source of life and power comes from Him.

We operate best when we are coupled to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Confrontation on the Road

Having lived in Idaho and Montana for many years we were used to confrontation on the road. Other places have traffic jams, so did we!

There were times we would wait for herds of deer and elk; at other times we would fall in behind a cattle drive. We’ve even experienced the occasional confrontation with a band of sheep but most intimidation came from the bison in Yellowstone and the grizzlies in Glacier.

The road to the cross didn’t have any of these but there were confrontations all the same. Yesterday we saw the people in Jesus’ hometown becoming so angry with Him that they dragged Him to the edge of a cliff.

Now that’s confrontation – but it didn’t stop Him for preaching.

“Jesus went to the town of Capernaum in Galilee and taught the people on the Sabbath. 32  His teaching amazed them because he spoke with power.” Luke 4:31-32 CEV

In Capernaum, He encountered a man possessed by a demon. The man was prompted to cause a scene; he yelled out at Jesus telling those around that this was God’s Son.

“Jesus ordered the evil spirit to be quiet and come out. The demon threw the man to the ground in front of everyone and left without harming him. 36 They all were amazed and kept saying to each other, “What kind of teaching is this? He has power to order evil spirits out of people!” 37 News about Jesus spread all over that part of the country.” Luke 4:35-37 CEV

Confrontation isn’t always a bad thing. God used this situation to show His power and His compassion.

When Jesus left this meeting He went to the house of Simon for dinner. Once again, He was confronted with a situation that needed His attention. Simon’s mother-in-law was running a high fever and lying in bed. Before doing anything else Jesus spoke to the fever and it left the woman.

 So Jesus went over to her and ordered the fever to go away. Right then she was able to get up and serve them a meal.” Luke 4:39 CEV

After dinner there was an even greater encounter.

 After the sun had set, people with all kinds of diseases were brought to Jesus. He put his hands on each one of them and healed them41 Demons went out of many people and shouted, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But Jesus ordered the demons not to speak because they knew he was the Messiah.” Luke 4:40-41 CEV

All who came to Jesus, He touched and healed. He silenced the demons. Don’t let this go unnoticed. Jesus didn’t want or need their affirmation. He didn’t want anything that would discredit the works of God.

 But something more important than John speaks for me. I mean the things that the Father has given me to do! All of these speak for me and prove that the Father sent me.” John 5:36 CEV

Jesus said, even the testimony of John the Baptizer wasn’t as important to His calling and ministry as the works that the Father was doing through Him. His credibility and reputation were established by the Father. Nothing else.

We may not be confronted by a bison, or a demon possessed person, but we face other confrontations that are even more dangerous.

 Our foolish pride comes from this world, and so do our selfish desires and our desire to have everything we see. None of this comes from the Father17 The world and the desires it causes are disappearing. But if we obey God, we will live forever.” I John 2:16-17 CEV

When confronted we should do like Jesus, speak to the issue, and then go forward by God’s power and not our own.