Power Acquired And Power Transfered by Fortune Nwaiwu

POWER ACQUIRED AND POWER TRANSFERRED 

The Fate of John the Baptist 

2 Kings 2:2-15

A Sermon Note by Fortune Nwaiwu

Introduction

When it comes to acquiring power, many individuals seek various sources to tap into. Some may rely on their own abilities, knowledge, or connections, while others may turn to external sources such as wealth, influence, or even manipulation. However, as believers, we are encouraged to find our power in a different source - God.

The Scriptures teach us that God is the ultimate source of power. In Psalm 62:11, it says, "God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God." This verse reminds us that all power originates from God Himself. He is the creator of the universe, the one who spoke everything into existence, and therefore, possesses unlimited power.

As believers, we have the privilege of tapping into this divine power. Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. This power is not something we generate on our own, but rather, it is a power that is transferred to us through our relationship with God.

So, how do we access this power? The key lies in our connection with God. We are encouraged to always pray in the Spirit, which means praying in alignment with God's will and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26-27 teaches us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us according to God's will. When we pray in the Spirit, we invite the power of God to work in and through us.

Furthermore, being led by the Spirit is crucial in accessing God's power. Galatians 5:16 reminds us to walk in the Spirit so that we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, actions, and decisions, we position ourselves to receive the power and wisdom of God. It is through this surrender and submission to the Spirit that we become vessels through which God's power can flow.

As we meditate on these truths, we realize that our power does not come from our own efforts or abilities. It is not about striving or manipulating circumstances to our advantage. Instead, it is about acknowledging our dependence on God and allowing Him to be the source of our power. When we align ourselves with His will, pray in the Spirit, and are led by the Spirit, we tap into the unlimited power of God.

In the sacred pages of the Bible, a profound connection is made between the great prophet Elijah and the enigmatic figure of John the Baptist. Like a thread woven through time, the spiritual essence of Elijah is said to reside within John, serving as a testament to the power and influence that can be passed from one generation to the next.

Elijah, a revered prophet known for his awe-inspiring miracles, was a beacon of divine intervention. He commanded fire to rain down from the heavens, parted rivers with a mere cloak, and challenged the prophets of Baal with unwavering faith. Yet, as his earthly journey drew to a close, a remarkable event occurred. As if the heavens themselves conspired, Elijah was whisked away by a mighty whirlwind, leaving behind a legacy that would forever shape history.

As Elijah ascended to the realms above, his devoted disciple Elisha was granted a double portion of his master's spirit. With this remarkable transfer of power, Elisha picked up the mantle of his mentor, ready to carry the torch of miraculous deeds. It seemed as though the divine had chosen Elisha to continue the extraordinary works that Elijah had performed.

However, when we turn our gaze to John the Baptist, we find a different narrative unfolding. Born with the spirit of Elijah, John did not showcase the same miraculous feats as his prophetic predecessor. Instead, his mission centered around a different kind of power - the power of preaching the word of God, of preparing the way for the coming Messiah.

This intriguing contrast raises questions about the nature of inheriting divine power and the complexities it entails. Does it imply that Elisha had absorbed the entirety of Elijah's miraculous abilities, leaving none for John the Baptist? And if this is indeed the case, does it suggest a cautionary lesson about the transfer of power from one person to another?

Perhaps the story of Elijah and Elisha serves as a profound reminder that men and women of faith should humbly seek the divine intervention of God. Rather than attempting to transfer power ourselves, we should earnestly pray for others to receive the anointing, guidance, and spiritual strength they need to fulfill their own unique purpose. It is through this selfless act of intercession that we not only honor God but also cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on His divine providence.

So let us learn from the pages of scripture, and with open hearts, let us seek the wisdom and discernment to understand that the true power lies in the hands of the Almighty. May we pray fervently, that all those who are called by God may be equipped with the strength and grace to carry out His will, for it is in this surrender that miracles are born and the kingdom of heaven advances.

Other reasons: 

After slaying a considerable number of prophets of Baal, Elijah defied Jezebel's attempt on his life, despite her being a woman. In a stark contrast, John the Baptist met his demise at the hands of Herodias, a woman. This event serves as a crucial indication that Elijah had indeed bestowed his power entirely upon Elisha. Otherwise, John the Baptist would have been able to summon fire to vanquish his enemies, although it is widely known that we are commanded to love our enemies. Nonetheless, the transference of power does yield certain consequences. Furthermore, Elisha, who possessed a twofold portion of Elijah's spirit, beseeched for the Assyrian armies sent to apprehend him to be struck with blindness, and his prayer was answered. Conversely, John, who later embodied the spirit of Elijah, found himself imprisoned and ultimately beheaded. This leads us to the belief that Elijah's power had been completely relinquished to Elisha, leaving John solely with the spirit of preaching.

Power Acquired and Power Transferred: Let God be the Source of Your Power

When it comes to acquiring power, many individuals seek various sources to tap into. Some may rely on their own abilities, knowledge, or connections, while others may turn to external sources such as wealth, influence, or even manipulation. However, as believers, we are encouraged to find our power in a different source - God.

The Scriptures teach us that God is the ultimate source of power. In Psalm 62:11, it says, "God has spoken once, twice I have heard this: that power belongs to God." This verse reminds us that all power originates from God Himself. He is the creator of the universe, the one who spoke everything into existence, and therefore, possesses unlimited power.

As believers, we have the privilege of tapping into this divine power. Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. This power is not something we generate on our own, but rather, it is a power that is transferred to us through our relationship with God.

So, how do we access this power? The key lies in our connection with God. We are encouraged to always pray in the Spirit, which means praying in alignment with God's will and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26-27 teaches us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us according to God's will. When we pray in the Spirit, we invite the power of God to work in and through us.

Furthermore, being led by the Spirit is crucial in accessing God's power. Galatians 5:16 reminds us to walk in the Spirit so that we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, actions, and decisions, we position ourselves to receive the power and wisdom of God. It is through this surrender and submission to the Spirit that we become vessels through which God's power can flow.

As we meditate on these truths, we realize that our power does not come from our own efforts or abilities. It is not about striving or manipulating circumstances to our advantage. Instead, it is about acknowledging our dependence on God and allowing Him to be the source of our power. When we align ourselves with His will, pray in the Spirit, and are led by the Spirit, we tap into the unlimited power of God.

In conclusion, as believers, we are called to find our power in God. He is the ultimate source of power, and through our relationship with Him, we can access His divine power. By praying in the Spirit and being led by the Spirit, we position ourselves to receive and transfer this power. Let us, therefore, make it a priority to seek God as the source of our power and allow His power to work in and through us for His glory.