Sharing Power

September 25, 2024

Mark 9:38-40 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.”39But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40Whoever is not against us is for us.” 

Sharing Power

This scene happens at least twice in the Bible - once to Moses, and once to Jesus.  And both times, the answer is - Don’t get in the way.  Power that is used for good is good.  Whoever is not against us if for us.  It’s not about us - we don’t have to hold tightly to the reins of the power of God, we can trust that the Spirit can work through people we might not have chosen as Godly enough, or good enough, or pure enough. Truthfully – are any of us good enough to feel like we have it in us to bring the power of God to meet the situations we find ourselves in in this life?

There was a song I learned in Vacation Bible School as a kid.  I don’t remember the title but the words were: 

 “Love is something if you give it away, you end up having more.

 It’s just like a magic penny, hold it tight and you won’t have any. 

 Lend it, spend it and you’ll have so many, they’ll roll all over the floor.

 For Love is something if you give it away, you end up having more.”

The power of God manifests itself in the power of grace and love.  And the more it gets shared – the more there is for everybody. 

Reflection Questions:

1) How do we find ourselves trying to limit our understanding of God’s power?

2) In this time of division in our country, how can we lift up the power of grace and love?

3) Do you remember a time when you were surprised by an unexpected source of God’s love and power showing up in your life?

Prayer: Dear God, Help me to be open to the ways your powers of grace and love are surrounding me in this world. In Jesus Name, Amen