Power from on high
by Pastor Mark Lieschke
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I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49).
Read Luke 24:36–53
When St Luke recorded these words, he wanted to make sure that what Jesus Christ had said and done was documented so that there would be no doubt about the fact that this ‘power from on high’ would continue to be acknowledged, relied on, made use of and celebrated.
Despite what we see and experience in this world, the good news is that God’s power hasn’t failed. His resources haven’t run out. Unlike every other power supply that can run down or have its energy source dry up, God hasn’t gone flat. His power has been – and is – active, alive and supplying energy for his people all the time.
After Jesus’ resurrection, the apostle Thomas refused to believe what his colleagues told him about them seeing Jesus. He was hesitant to acknowledge the risen Lord and to be transformed by his power. But Jesus didn’t turn his back on him. Instead, he confronted him in a very loving way.
And Jesus lovingly confronts and challenges us today when we hesitate to rely on his power in our lives. When our efforts to remain close to him and serve him are weak, and when we doubt and worry and wonder whether or not we can stay close and hold on to him, he comes to us in our doubt, laziness, half-heartedness and fear, and he says: ‘Here I am; here are my promises; here’s my power; take me at my word.’ We might not be able to hold on to him – but he holds on to us.
He meets us face to face each time we hear or read his word, celebrate our baptism and come to the Lord’s table and commune with him. He assures us of the mighty power that he brings to our lives. And he invites us to take hold of that power and let it flow through our lives.
Holy Spirit, continue to point us to Jesus. Continue to empower us to reflect Jesus in our lives. Open our hearts and minds to be bold and confident in our trust and acknowledgement of Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Mark Lieschke is a retired pastor living on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. He served in parishes in South Australia, New Zealand and New South Wales before being elected as bishop of the LCANZ’s New South Wales District. Mark enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, walking on the beach and relaxing.
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