This blog post links with a sermon preached on Sunday 23rd September 2018 – listen below
Corrie Ten Boom stood speaking to a crowd of people on forgiveness, when the worst guard at the concentration camp, the one who had been particularly cruel to her and her sister approached her and asked for forgiveness.
“Jesus, help me!” I prayed silently. “I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.”
And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.
“I forgive you, brother!” I cried. “With all my heart!”
What do you think of, when you think of powerful people? World leaders, super heroes, the wealthy, celebrities… the list could go on.
God’s Kingdom is topsy turvy; Power in the Kingdom of God looks differently to the way the world views it. The kingdom demonstrates empowerment differently. Its purpose is not for personal gain, its fruit look meek, even poor in spirit, it’s servanthood and sacrifice.
Yes, it includes the supernatural, yes, it transforms brokenness, yes, it is influential, life-changing and powerful. God empowers us – weak, full of flaws, imperfect. Why? So we can’t glorify in our own greatness but point directly to Him.
2 Corinthians 4:7-8
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Jesus fully god, fully man demonstrated his power through sitting with the most despised and the ignored, he demonstrated his omnipotence through weakness. He was beaten and whipped, spat at and abused. He died a death reserved for the lowest of the low. His weakness has had such a powerful impact that it is rejoiced in over 2000 years later.
Empowerment is God giving us the authority and power to see things transformed, in our own lives, in our towns and in our communities.
Empowerment is not being bound by hatred or bitterness; but being free to love and forgive even our worst enemy.
Written by Linda Geevanathan
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