March 9: Power Struggle

Acts 4:7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?”

Power struggle - a situation in which two or more people or groups compete for control in a particular sphere.

It happens almost everywhere around us. In our workplaces, in governments, in educational institutions, among businesses and even in not-for-profit organizations. A church however is the last place you would expect to have this problem. But that was not the case amongst the Jews of the 1st century. There were different groups that held different beliefs and viewpoints on various subjects, resulting in a constant power struggle between them. One considered the other inferior to them and vice-versa, and each group felt that they were the rightful stewards of the Law of Moses. In the middle of all this chaos came a bunch of Christ-followers to disrupt all viewpoints held by all religious groups.

After receiving the Holy Spirit upon them, the disciples started moving in power. This power was a different type of power though. It had the ability to heal the sick, cast out demons, and restore people completely. While the religious leaders argued about how to interpret the law and the scriptures, the disciple of Jesus demonstrated the true power of God. This greatly upset the religious folks and they demanded “by what power are you doing these things?” A new type of power struggle had started.

Peter and John were no longer ordinary citizens trying to figure out how to interpret the Law. They were empowered Christians filled with the mighty power of Jesus Christ. However, it is the response to the question above that validates that the disciples were not here to prove who had more power. Listen to their response:

“8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”(Acts 4:8-12, emphasis mine)

Do you see what Peter did? Rather than boasting that he was the one with the real power (which would have been the truth), he gave all glory and honor to Jesus Christ, confessing that it was the name of Jesus that made the lame man whole. And in two sentences, Peter even managed to declare the full Gospel. He mentioned the death and resurrection of Jesus and declared that only He (Jesus) can save.

Today we see a very similar scenario amongst Christian churches and denominations. As shameful as it is, there is still plenty of power struggle within the body of Christ. Whether it is arguments around doctrine or political viewpoints – each group thinks they are better off than the other. And to the handful minority that are actually moving in power through deliverances and healings, the majority rejects as heretic. As sad as that is the case, the truth still remains unchanged.

The name of Jesus alone brings salvation to all mankind. And the power of His name is able to produce supernatural miracles. The words of Jesus Christ that He spoke 2000 years ago to His disciples still ring true.. for those who still believe:

In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)

True power is understanding Who is inside of you. Rather that wasting time arguing about differences in viewpoints and trying to prove you know more than someone else, focus on God’s Holy Spirit and His power inside of you. Power belongs to God alone. You and I are vessels of this great God. And that awareness will remove all struggles with power.