Power from above

​5-22-23
Power from above
Today's devotion is based on Luke 24:49, "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
In Luke's account of Jesus' ascension, these are the last recorded words of Jesus. Shortly before (in John 16:7), Jesus talks to his disciples about how he will shortly be leaving them, and he says, 'It's better that I go because then I will send you the Holy Spirit.'
So finally (a few short weeks later), the day has come when Jesus ascends into heaven. I think if I were one of the disciples that day, I would find it hard to be happy that Jesus has just left, anticipating something better. What can possibly fill the gap left behind now that Jesus is no longer here in person?
This question was answered dramatically ten days later on the day of Pentecost. The promised Spirit comes, and the church is birthed! Pentecost ushered in a pretty dramatic change for the disciples, and they became people marked by joy and boldness. The same men and women who hid in the upper room (for fear of the Jews) were so filled with joy that they were irrepressible. We certainly need the same power from on high.
Please pray with me: Thank you, Lord, for sending the Spirit to clothe us with power from on high. I need this so much, Lord. Please help me to live a life pleasing to you! Amen.