Unexpected Power

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Acts 2:1-21 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

I was unlocking my bike when I saw a couple of lads I knew hanging about. For a bit of fun, I challenged them to a cycle race up the hill. They eagerly agreed, confident of their ability to beat a middle-aged vicar. What they didn’t know was that I have an electric bike. This allowed me to sail past them, to shouted accusations of cheating.

I had unexpected power.

The reading describes Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit breaks into the lives of the still confused disciples. Luke, the writer of Acts, seeks to describe the indescribable, saying it was like ‘wind’ (v.2) and ‘fire’ (v.3). The impact is obvious though; the frightened disciples are changed and begin to confidently speak of ‘the wonders of God’ to all people (v.11).

They had unexpected power.

This is remarkable because when God showed up powerfully in the past, people tended to be afraid (see Exodus 20.18-19) – but everything has now changed. On the cross Jesus felt the absence of God’s presence and power when ‘the sun was turned to darkness’ (v.20). Jesus went through all that to put us right with God so through faith in Him you and I can have confidence of God’s presence and power in every moment.

As we look forward to Easter, and our Diocesan Centenary Missions later in the year, sharing the difference that Jesus makes to you, might be something you find a bit tricky.

But you and I have God’s unexpected power.

So, let’s pray that we might speak in His Power, trusting that everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.

Let us pray: Come Holy Spirit. Fill me with Your unexpected power to speak about all that Jesus has done, so that all who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Amen.