Hungry For Power

Hungry for Power

Explosive power. The Greeks had a word for such impressive energy and miraculous force: dunamis. That’s where we get our word dynamite. Take a moment to think of three things, either natural or man-made, known for their explosive power. What were the first examples you came up with? A divided atom? An Olympic sprinter? A rocket, dragster, or bolt of lightning? How about this one: a kernel of popcorn.

Don’t let its size fool you. Under the right conditions, there’s a lot of power packed into that little grain. The main reason is its nonporous hull. Since traces of water inside can’t escape as the kernel heats up, pressure builds after the moisture reaches its boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. When the interior of the kernel hits 350 degrees and 135 pounds of pressure per square inch, watch out—it’s gonna blow! Once people saw what popcorn could do, even those who didn’t understand the source of its explosive power wanted a taste.

In chapter 8 of the book of Acts, a man named Simon was also hungry for power he didn’t understand. But in a bad way. This sorcerer had been wowing all of Samaria with magic. Then one day he got a taste of truly dynamic power when Jesus’ apostles came to town. He watched as they laid hands on newly baptized believers and prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. It blew Simon away. He selfishly wanted that ability, too, and even offered to pay for it (see Acts 8:18). Peter rebuked him, saying, “You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God” (v. 21, NIV).

The world is full of Simons who get a glimpse of God’s supernatural power and want to tap into it for selfish purposes. Even Christians should be careful of craving power, asking ourselves why we’re praying for some miracle or mighty work. Is it to see God’s will done? To see him get the glory? If so, stand back. You may feel as insignificant as a popcorn kernel, but under the right conditions you have God’s power within you to do amazing things.

Daddy-Daughter Time

Has all this talk of popcorn made you hungry? Visit popcorn.org, and select a recipe to whip up for your family. Eat it together, and celebrate the Lord’s power in the spirit of Psalm 21:13. What examples of his power have impressed you in the pages of Scripture? How have you seen God do dynamic things in your life?

What’s The Word?

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power.   Acts 8:18