Spiritual Power

Luke 10:17-24

“And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.” (Luke 10:17)

The seventy advance agents return from their journey excited at what they have been able to do. Why, even the devils have been subject to them, through Jesus’ name. It was a heady experience. There was such a sense of power and accomplishment. I suspect that is how the apostles had felt when they came back from their training mission. It must have been a shock to be unable to cast the demon out of the boy in the previous chapter.

Jesus reminded the seventy who he is. It is easy for us to forget that Jesus is God, and that he was there even before the world was created. His existence did not begin with his virgin birth. He saw Satan cast out of heaven, as described in Isaiah 14:12-16 and Ezekiel 28:13-19. John 1:1-3 tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” It is the same one who created the universe who empowers us. We should not be surprised that the power to do these things is available.

“And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:18-19)

The issue of spiritual power causes a lot of confusion in our day. Jesus promised, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth,” in Acts 1:8. In Mark 16:17-18, he promised that his followers would have the same powers exhibited by the seventy. “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Just as the apostles were disappointed by their inability to cast out the demon in the boy in the previous chapter, many of us become disappointed by our inability to exercise such power.

Jesus makes it very clear that the power is not the important thing. Power must not become our focus. Too often it becomes a source of pride and leads to misuse. In Acts 8, Simon offered money to obtain spiritual power. Acts 8:20-21 records Peter’s response. “But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.”

When we begin to seek power for pride or other selfish purposes, we are not right with God, and we cannot exercise the power. As Jesus pointed out to the apostles in Matthew 17:21, this kind of power is the result of faith which is developed by prayer and fasting. “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” Power, like prayer, always subject to God’s will.

“Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)

It is human nature to focus on the physical power and abilities but we need to understand that the spiritual is far more important. The physical power is only a byproduct of the spiritual relationship. We need to focus on our salvation, and walking with the spirit, rather than exercising power. When we do so, the Holy Spirit will manifest his power as it is needed. Most of the religious world never understands that the real power is in learning to walk with and yield to the Lord. Only those who really learn who Jesus is ever experience real spiritual power in their lives.

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.” (Luke 10:21-22)

Vast amounts of resources are expended every year in scientific research, trying to find the causes of psychological problems, explaining how the world functions or solving world problems and explaining what is happening. As Christians, we have access to information and understanding that they will never attain by intellectual means, regardless how much is spent. All that is required is spending the time with Christ and getting to know him. What a privilege we have.

“And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see: For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” (Luke 10:21-24)