I remember being called a nerd in middle school for being into comic books. Oh how the world has changed! Comic book superheros now dominate our culture, ruling the big screen and the little screens. Avengers: Infinity War made over $2 BILLION, and it’s joined in the top 10 grossing movies of all-time by the other two Avenger films and Black Panther (who, FYI, is one of the Avengers). There are currently at least 33 superhero shows either on TV or streaming, not including cartoons. Its safe to say we are fascinated by the idea that one can go from normal to superhuman overnight, whether that be because of radiation, aliens, a radioactive spider bite, technology, etc. I, and you for that matter, have received some amazing superpowers. The problem is that most of us have either turned a blind-eye to them, or having been poor stewards of them.
The superpowers I speak of are the gifts God gives all who have been saved by faith in Christ Jesus. These gifts come via the Holy Spirit.
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8
Here’s what I love about that scripture. You’ve got the Disciples gathered on the hillside petrified about what’s about to happen. Jesus is leaving them, and he is tasking THEM with doing his work on earth. They are looking at one another wondering “how is this ever going to work!” After all, they didn’t exactly have a great track record. While Jesus was with them they constantly misunderstood him, lacked faith, argued among themselves, doubted him, etc. They had mostly been farmers and fishermen from “the sticks” of Israel, Nazareth. Yet Jesus tells them You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. Jesus knew they, and us as well, needed help. So the Holy Spirit was sent to empower them to do God’s work so that the gospel could be cared to Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
God didn’t just give superpowers to the Disciples, but continues to gift them to all believers. The Spirit gives us the power to share Christ (1 Cor 2:4-5), strength when we are weak (Romans 8:26), and hope in the darkest of times (Ephesians 3:16-19). The Spirit also gives us individuals gifts/powers, known as spiritual gifts. These include prophesy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, mercy, and more. God does not simply throw us out of the nest and into the world of ministry empty handed, but uniquely equips us to serve. My challenge today is to embrace the superpowers God has given you. If you know what they are then use them to their fullest! If you’ve never discovered your gifts take the time to do so this week, and start making a plan to use them. You’ve been gifted amazing powers to serve God. Use them!
