TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
The power of the Lord was with them,
and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord
Acts 11:21 (NLT)
A THRIVING CHURCH DEPENDS ON GOD’S POWER
One New Year’s Day, in the Tournament of Roses parade, a beautiful float suddenly sputtered and quit. It was out of gas. The whole parade was held up until someone could get a can of gas. The amusing thing was this float represented the Standard Oil Company. With its vast oil resources, its truck was out of gas. Often, Christians neglect their spiritual maintenance, and though they are “clothed with power” (Luke 24:49) find themselves out of gas. (Steve Blankenship)
Two things were happening in the church at Antioch. First, they were faithfully sharing the good news about Jesus. Secondly, God’s power was with them. As a result, in Antioch, a large number of Gentiles became Christians. The phrase “power of the Lord” in Acts 11:21 is literally “the hand of the Lord.” This symbolism represented God making things happen. Anytime the church is faithfully sharing Jesus and God’s power is present, lives will be impacted and changed forever.
Reflection
Are you spiritually running on empty? What are some of the ways you can see your dependence on God providing you with power? When have you seen God’s power work through you when you were telling someone about Jesus?
Praise
The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.” Praise God for the Good News and His power to save. Ask God to give you the courage to share and the power to see people saved.
