Power Differences || 08.13.2022

We’ve all heard the phrase “Size doesn’t matter,” right? Yet, we also hear
small things do come in oversized packages. Often we use size as a determinant of status, success, and all that, but that’s not always the case. I think of David, who was the smallest of Jesse’s family and yet was the one who took down Goliath. We’ve seen COVID, in which the virus in itself is small that we need a microscope to see it turn into a BIG pandemic. We see these small entities have a massive impact on the world. Jesus also brings that type of power to us.

If we simplify the story, Jesus was one man, like you and me, who followed God and taught about God to others. That sounds like a small thing. It sounds like something you and I would do. Then we look at this same small thing, this same man, and listen to stories about him giving sight to the blind, healing the lame, resurrecting people, feeding people, and more. We then learn that this one small thing comes with significant power. This significant power is what Jesus showed when he died on the cross to pay the price for our sin. This one man was crucified and sacrificed himself. Then we see Jesus’ power grow even more through God, who defeated death, hell, and the grave. Again, let’s see this one person, a carpenter from Bethlehem, healed people, fed people, resurrected people, and gave people hope.

We get to have that same type of power. We may not be able to heal people, feed people, and save people as Jesus did, and honestly. I’m not sure if I want that type of power. Yet, we get that same power through the Holy Spirit, this invisible power we cannot see with the human eye. This same power that we all share can feed hungry people. This same power that we all share can help people who are hurting in various forms. This same power that we all share can give hope to the hopeless. A smile shares the light of Christ. A kind and encouraging word shares the love of Christ. The small things can have a significant impact, and all we need to learn is how to wield the power that we have in a Christ-like manner. Amen.

Eternal God, our time in this life is limited, and our days are counting down. Yet you have reminded us that if we are wise and use that time well, you have an eternity waiting for us beyond our imagination. Help us focus on what we have, what we can share, and how we can bless others with the gifts we offer this day. Until we join with them and your children give you their thanks and gratitude for the rest of eternity. In Christ, we pray. Amen.