This last week, my wife and I have been traveling in southwestern Utah for our 20th wedding anniversary. I have seen so many incredibly colored mountains and valleys. Each of them revealing the power of God in creation. I love seeing his fingerprints all over this beautiful landscape. This has been an inspiring place.

As I was reading in the Gospel of Luke for my devotions this morning, I was captivated by the power of Christ over many different situations and the power that He made available to those that chose to follow Him. In every case where the power of Christ is displayed people are left wondering what manner of man is this. As reading through Luke 9, the Spirit revealed to me five things that happen as we act in the power of Christ.

Actions that are done in the power of Christ…

1. They will perplex others...”Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him, and he was perplexed…” (Luke 9:7 NKJV) Things we do in our own power have a minimal impact; but when actions are done in the power of Christ, they make people wonder what just happened. It is as though they cannot figure out what is going on. Their perplexity is our opportunity to testify.
2. They will amaze others…“And they were all amazed at the majesty of God…” (Luke 9:43 NKJV) Any work that is truly done in the power of Christ brings about great amazement. The heavens declare His handiwork… Their amazement is our opportunity to glorify.
3. They will reveal the majesty of God…”And they were all amazed at the majesty of God.”  (Luke 9:43 NKJV) When we work through our anointing, our light shines and glorifies the Father. When we work in our abilities, we only promote ourselves, and people will not be amazed beyond the “flash in the pan.” Work done in His power shines an eternal light on the majesty of God. His majesty revealed our opportunity to worship.
4. They will reveal who is a faithful follower…“But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.” (Luke 9:50 NKJV) Here is an opportunity for believers to learn a great point. It is not your denomination or church affiliation that reveals if you are for Christ. The true nature of who you follow is determined by the name you act upon. Actions taken under the name of Christ are our opportunity to reveal where we stand.
5. They will seek to bring life through salvation…”For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” (Luke 9:56 NKJV) Hope you are ready for this…When you think of the atrocities of terrorists what is your response? Christ was rejected by the Samaritans, and his disciples were willing to call fire down from heaven. Jesus challenged their spirit. When we are acting in the power of Christ, our goal should be to bring life. Oh, we could seek to destroy them; or we could in the power of Christ bring life.