Power

Pete Kersker - Jan 26, 2026

Jesus spent three years teaching his disciples (students) how to go and make more disciples (students). Then he died, rose from the dead, and spent another forty days clarifying and reminding them what he did on the cross for all of us that day. Finally, Jesus told his disciples (students) to go to Jerusalem and wait until the Holy Spirit came to them. This would be their sign that it was time to go.

Then they gathered around him and asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:6-8 NIV).

Notice that Jesus told them they would receive power from the Holy Spirit. His disciples (students) already experienced Holy Spirit power when Jesus sent them out ahead of him two by two in every town where he traveled (Luke 10:1). They were temporarily given the Holy Spirit as a part of that training.

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."
He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you" (Luke 10:17-19 NIV).

Jesus gave them the ability drive out demons, who are rebellious angels who want to hurt us. This ability requires both authority (hierarchical permission) and power (since angels are more powerful than us). The LORD gives both through the Holy Spirit. Jesus' disciples (students) knew what it felt like to have that power. They were waiting to receive it again.

However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20 NIV).

Did you know that the Holy Spirit gives us authority over our spiritual enemies?
Why do you think Jesus said it's more important for our names to be "written in heaven?"