THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT

John 6:63

⁶³ It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

Most of us live under the illusion that we are in control of this world. It feels that way sometimes and makes us feel powerful. When we have a headache, we can take medication to alleviate it. When we have a cold, we can go to the doctor who can treat us and we can heal. These little actions of control make us feel powerful in our world. And then when big things happen, we are reminded how little control that we all have. At times this idea of being not in control is comforting because we can give it to God knowing that God is with us through it all. And, then at times it feels scary or powerless to not be able to drive our own bus.

This text from John today helps remind us that we don’t have control over the world but through the Holy Spirit we can find life. Our scripture often uses language of flesh or body versus spirit which is that theological difference between the human and the divine. Jesus reminds us in this passage that although as humans we can feel powerful ultimately it is with God through the power of the Spirit that drives this world. When we come to accept that God is in control of this world, it is a gift in our life. Although what happens in this world we do not always understand and we don’t always agree with, we can find peace that the God of love is a presence with us through all of life’s ups and downs.

Prayer

Great God, we are thankful for the power of the Holy Spirit. In this world filled with so many challenges, we take comfort that you are in control and loving us through it all. Help us to trust in you. In Jesus Name, Amen.