Power can be demonstrated in many ways.
We often associate power with some sort of coercion or violence, which always flows from anger. This sort of power is always about acquisition – becoming more powerful, demonstrating one’s power to others.
Jesus turned this dynamic upside down. In his kingdom, power was demonstrated by love, by service, by helping others understand THEIR power. In his kingdom, he handed power to those who seemed the least powerful of all.
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Last Saturday, a community of more than 200 people gathered around the kids at the Home of Hope. They walked and rode bikes and handed out water. They set up tents. They cheered and provided directions.
They raised funds to help children once destined for darkness to grow in the light of hope and freedom.
These folks demonstrate the awesome power of Jesus’ sacrificial love. Setting up tables and arranging chairs might not appear powerful in the world’s eyes, but together these people are changing the world in a way coercion and violence never can.
Jesus uses their sacrifice in ways we will never see. That’s how love works. They thought they were just wearing T-shirts and jerseys and eating lunch together.
Turns out, their efforts have infinite, cosmic impact. That’s power.