Power from heaven – The “Why-Because”

Back in January, I began writing blogs for 2020 with the theme of “seeing with our spiritual eyes.” It made sense. Who doesn’t want to have perfect vision from a spiritual standpoint? But, why would I write about strengthening our spiritual eyes even though I had no idea how much we were going to need them? Because the Holy Spirit knows all things. Imparting wisdom, the Spirit was teaching me that when we see things from a spiritual perspective, we see things a whole lot clearer.

As thinking human beings, when we do not understand something, we begin asking questions. Why? Because questions lead to answers. And answers lead to understanding and growth. As we grow spiritually, God reveals insights through the Holy Spirit. That is the power from heaven we have been talking about.

Questions lead to answers and answers lead to understanding and growth.

At the arrival of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, a lot of people did not understand what was happening. Even reading the story today may cause us to question why. As we move forward, we are going to unpack this power from heaven and what we are supposed to do with it. Why? Because we have so much to learn about this power living inside of us.

The other day, my 15 year old son and I whipped into a parking space at the local grocery store. As I hopped out of the car, I noticed my son did too. Hurriedly, I walked toward the door, my son right on my heels. I said, “Why are you coming in?” He shrugged his shoulders and said, “Because.” I knew this was not a real answer, but I didn’t have time. So, we went on in and I grabbed a cart.

As I quickly gathered my necessary items, my son said, “Mom, can I have this Monster Energy drink?”

I replied, “No.”  My son said, Why?’  I replied, “Because.” 

As I made my way through the aisles, my son continued to come to me with various other items. But on the fourth “No-Why-Because,” in his frustration, he said, “Because is not an answer!” He is right.  He wanted a real reason why he could not have those things. This is known as the “Why-Because.” I am confident, if you are a parent, you have had this same experience.

The “Why-Because”

As thinkers, the “Why-Because” never suffices, unless it is followed by a real answer. So when the power of heaven falls down in Acts 2, we want to know why. So did all those who gathered. Peter begins answering their questions in Acts 2:22,saying, “…listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”

He continues explaining in verses 23-31. But in verses 32-33, we find our answer,“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Jesus was a miracle in his life, in his death and after. Being fully human yet fully divine, we see the Holy Spirit living within Him. In his life, the power from heaven manifested in miracles and healings. His death and resurrection are a testimony of who He is and where He came from. That same Spirit enables us to do the things Jesus did. We are called to do those things. Why? Because, in doing them, God’s glory is revealed, just like it still being revealed in Jesus. The Holy Spirit, working within our lives, makes God real for all of us. We get to be a part that! In our participation, we bring the Kingdom of God here on Earth! Now, that’s the power from heaven!

Let us pray: God of glory, thank you for pouring out your Holy Spirit on our lives. Help us to receive it and walk in the power of it so that your glory may be revealed in all things and to all people. In Jesus’ name, Amen. -M