Let me describe what possibly could be every parent’s worst nightmare. Imagine this. For months, it is undeniable that your child is hinting, begging, earnestly interceding for the latest electronic “necessity” of life. Although its price tag will take a large portion of your retirement savings, the anticipation of the look on your angel’s face will make it worth the extreme sacrifice. On Christmas morning, the moment arrives. Excitement fills the air as your darling pushes aside package after package looking for the gift of all gifts. Upon finding what should be the package, wrapping paper flies through the air, then a shrill of excitement as the gift is ripped out of its package … and then … the moment of horror when you discover those previously unnoticed words that are printed in microscopic print on the package: “Batteries Not Included.” To your dismay, you can’t find 16 AAA batteries anywhere in your home, and it’s a 45-minute trip into town to look for a store that would be open on Christmas. Without the batteries, the gift that was to bring the “ho, ho, ho” of Christmas turned into a big “no, no, no” … no peace, no happiness, no quiet until the batteries can be found.
The reason for this post is quite obvious. No batteries, no power. No power, no activity. While His followers were itching to leave Jerusalem to go hold their massive crusades, start their bible colleges, write their books, and publish their how-to manuals, Jesus commanded them to place their big plans on hold. (Acts 1:4-5) Absolutely no activity would be allowed until they received the needed power to accomplish and maintain these spiritual feats. This needed power was only obtainable by their being filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8)
Please help me spread the word. The reality of life is that we all come “batteries not included”. Listen, we can be faithful church attenders, loving neighbors, model citizens, and incredible employees (and we should be all of these), but the word “commanded” (not “suggested”) found in Acts 1:4 shows that the ultimate purpose for our life will only come when the batteries are inserted. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then, and only then, will your Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth know that you are present and powerfully doing Kingdom business!
