Take Advantage of the Power

By Gobel Brockman


I once read a story of a wealthy miser in Ireland who was one of the last to get electricity in her home. A utility worker was at her home a few months later and commented on how her meter had barely moved. He asked, "Is your electricity working all right?" She replied that it was. When he asked why she wasn't using it, she said, "I do use it. At dusk I turn the lights on long enough to see to be able to light my candles, then I turn them off."

This lady had power literally at her fingertips but chose not to use it. This morning, millions of people will do the same thing. People who generally want nothing to do with God are getting up, putting on their "Sunday best" and heading to church. They'll hear the same sermon they hear every Easter and then head back home to their lives of spiritual apathy. The sad thing is, the sermon they'll be hearing is about the greatest miracle that ever happened - Jesus died and rose again. His sacrifice on the cross and His defeat of death have opened the door to us for eternal salvation from death and Hell. And yet many, many people will hear this powerful truth today, then go right back to their spiritual nonchalance. Just as the lady who refused to use her electricity, a wealth of power will be wasted.

I once read that Napoleon Bonaparte was asked if he believed that Jesus had rose from the dead. He replied, "Yes, and I'll tell you why. You can say His name in front of peasants and see their eyes light up with hope. Say His name in front of kings and they will recognize that they are in the presence of royalty. Yes, Jesus rose from the dead. Dead men don't get that much respect." We still see that today. You can talk about 'church' or 'God' in public all you want and little will be said. But end a prayer at a high school football game or city council meeting "in the name of Jesus" and instant controversy is born. For me, that brings up a simple question: why would a dead man stir up so much controversy?

Yes, Jesus is alive. He's alive forever more. His death and resurrection have paved the way for any who will receive to be saved. His power is still moving on the hearts of men and women everywhere. Bondages are being broken and broken hearts are being mended, and yours can be as well. But to those who don't receive it due to indifference or outright rejection, then at least in your case it will be all for nought. How tragic that really is.

Jesus is alive! It's true today. It's also true the other 364 days in the year. There is power available to you today. Allow Jesus to turn on the lights, reveal Himself to you, and receive it today.

Happy Easter! JESUS IS ALIVE!!