Jesus’ last discussion with his disciples must have been a bit disappointing for him. After more than three years with the disciples, they still seem to be rather unsure of what Jesus had really come to do. They ask him questions about when Israel would be rid of their invaders and finally experience the long anticipated promise of God’s Kingdom rule. (v.6) Jesus is quite gracious in His response to them as He focuses on the next phase of the plan He has come to fulfill. Jesus’ promise to His disciples is that they will be given “power” to be “witnesses” to the Gospel story wrapped up and fulfilled in Jesus’ life. We make a huge mistake when we disconnect the power of this promise from the purposes of this promise. 

In the Midwest part of the US, this is tornado season. These forces can destroy entire towns in a short time. Often power lines are knocked down, but still have power running through them. You can see these lines bouncing around as they arc and spark. The power is useless except to destroy anything it its path. The same is true with the power promised at Pentecost: disconnect the power from its purpose (to be witnesses) and you have a powerful but destructive force. Power not connected to its primary purpose inevitably turns destructive. 

The power of the Spirit is not to fulfill our personal vision nor dabble in novel spiritual experience. Remember Jesus tells us specifically that He has not come to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45) The empowerment of the Spirit is valid when we keep it connected to bearing witness to the Good News that Jesus saves!