power-pack
"May He enlighten your innermost vision that you may know...the immeasurable scope of His power in us who believe. It is like the strength He showed in raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand in heaven." —Ephesians 1:18-20
Jesus had tried to tell us we had power and authority to overcome all demons and to cure diseases (Lk 9:1). He told us we could "cure the sick, raise the dead, heal the leprous, expel demons" (Mt 10:8). He even promised we would do greater by far than He ever did, if we only believed in Him (Jn 14:12).
However, Jesus saved the best till last. Before His Ascension, the risen Jesus, with nail-scarred hands and a hole in His side, was speaking to the apostles concerning the signs that would accompany those who had professed their faith (Mk 16:17). Jesus mentioned five signs: expelling demons, speaking new languages, handling serpents, drinking poison, and healing the sick (Mk 16:17-18). "No sooner had He said this than He was lifted up before their eyes in a cloud which took Him from their sight" (Acts 1:9). Jesus ascended "into heaven and took His seat at God's right hand" (Mk 16:19).
When a Man has split the clouds and left planet earth behind, He's certainly proven Himself to be an expert on signs. When Jesus says to us: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on you" (Acts 1:8), He knows what He's talking about.
Prayer: Ascended, glorified Jesus, may I believe in You, Your promises, and Your power now at work in me (Eph 3:20).
Promise: "The Lord continued to work with them throughout and confirm the message through the signs." —Mk 16:20
Praise: Praise the risen Lord, Who ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 27, 2005
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