Focus: Jesus' Power

Text: Lk.8:35

"Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid."

Jesus delivered a man invaded and indwelt by a legion of demons. These hordes of demons converted his body into their personal residence. They ruined his mind and life. His total personality was extremely damaged by the presence of these demons. Humanly speaking, his case was hopeless. He was completely disconnected from society. No one dared come close to him. He was dreaded by all - family, friends, everyone else, and even foes.

Jesus Christ met him and changed his life. He met him mad and restored his sanity. He met him as one inherited and inhabited by demons, and he instantly cast the demons out of him, and restored him to wellness and wholeness. He met him naked and clothed him. He restored his sanctity and dignity. Jesus Christ gave him his life back and restored his health and hopes. He reconnected him with his family and friends. Jesus Christ even called and commissioned him into the ministry. That is Jesus' power - the greatest power in the universe! No other power in this world can change a man like this.

At the start of His ministry Luke reports that the people "were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power" (Lk.4:32). Luke says that "they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out" (Lk.4:36). 

Jesus Christ operated with power here on earth. He used His power for the service of man. Every time Jesus Christ put His power to work, it was always for someone's good.

Jesus' power saves and heals. Paul says, "For the preaching of the cross… is the power of God" (1Cor.1:18). The word 'preaching' here is 'logos' in the Greek. Paul is saying that the power of God is lodged in the logos, word or message of the cross. In verse 24, he presents Christ as "the power of God, and the wisdom of God." In Romans Paul makes bold to say, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…" (Rom.1:16). Jesus Christ is the power of God. His gospel is also the power of God. His power breaks the yokes of Satan. His power redeems men from the shackles of their sins. His power settles issues in our lives. Jesus' power transforms lives and renews hopes. Jesus' power cures madness and takes care of demonic situations. What can Jesus' power not do for those who believe in Him?

I say to you with all alacrity, audacity and authority that Jesus' power still works today. Receive the touch of His power now! Amen!

by Bishop Moses E. Peter