More Power To You (Part 1)

That we are living in difficult times, is no secret. People who have a negative inclination can identify problems in almost every sphere of life. The world economy apparently reached record lows; there are worldwide health crises with all sorts of pandemics evolving and then we have not even talked about global warming. Truly, the international situation sketches a sordid picture.
In response to this, humankind is looking for solutions. Individuals and groups are doing their utmost to find answers to all the elusive questions, and even before they have answers, new problems are identified.
As Christians, we believe that our religion has the solutions to the problems of the world. Yet, where are the Christians, and are we really providing the answers to life’s problems? Realizing the danger of being negative, one need still be realistic towards the truth. Ask yourself “Are we as Christians really acting as ambassadors for the Kingdom of God on earth?” Are we showing the world a living demonstration of ‘thy will be done - on earth as it is in heaven’.
Before Jesus went into the climax of his earthly ministry, He took time to explain to the Apostles what was destined to happen to Him, and what impact and influence it would have on the Christians through the ages. Much of this is recorded in the latter half of the book of John. Knowing the human inclination, Jesus methodically revised His mission with the Apostles so that they would not be caught off.-guard and befall prey to Satan’s lies.
Had Jesus not discussed His imminent pain and suffering with the Apostles, He knew that Satan would attempt at convincing the world that ‘Jesus was a looser’. It was during these discussions that Jesus released more exact information regarding our future on earth when He had left for His Father in heaven. The first and possibly most important part of this message concerned the fact that we would not be left alone.

John 14:18 AMP I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you.

John 14:26 AMP But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.

Anyone who has lost a loved one will tell you of the feeling of helplessness that takes hold of your soul after the departure of that loved one. The disciples (or Apostles as they were now known) had been living with Jesus daily for more than three years, sharing every meal, every discussion and every miracle that He did.
It was only reasonable to think that they would feel distraught at the thought of their Master being punished for sins He did not commit, and dying on the cross to ‘buy our pardon’. Knowing this, Jesus told them that they were not being left as orphans, as there was a Comforter, the Holy Spirit that would be sent to them according to the prophecies of Joel. In fact, Jesus told them, it would be profitable that He left, in order for the Comforter to be sent to them and to all the disciples that followed after them.
John 16:7 AMP However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].
Now I think that any person. is his or her right state of mind would immediately reason “how could it be better for us that He left for heaven? What could be better than having the Son of the living God walk with you daily? Nevertheless, knowing their hearts, Jesus explained the consequences to them.

John 14:12-17 WEB Most assuredly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these will he do; because I am going to my Father. (13) Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (14) If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it. (15) If you love me, keep my commandments. (16) I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever, -- (17) the Spirit of truth, whom the world can't receive; for it doesn't see him, neither knows him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you. (Emphasis by. author)

This one single statement should be sufficient reason for most Christian believers to repent and confess their helplessness. “The Works that I do he (or she) will do also”. Think this over. Was their any circumstance that Jesus was not able to solve in His time? Sickness, infection, death, storms, lack of finances, food shortage, or whatever circumstance was experienced, Jesus had a complete cure for.
Jesus did not just have a ‘soothing word’ for the sufferers as we often have in these days. He had a permanent cure. Jesus lived and functioned in the power of God. Then He promised that it would be even better on earth after He left for His Father.
What could be better than having Jesus walking the streets of Jerusalem? What could be better than receiving word that Jesus had just given a mourning mother back her baby daughter, alive and well?
Having Jesus at the same time walking the streets of Manhattan, Moscow, Johannesburg, London and every other square centimeter on this world would be better!
Rebuking global warming in the name of Jesus and seeing the climate return to ‘normal’ would be better. Putting and end to crime, injustice, prejudice and discrimination in the name of Jesus would be better.
But to have this happen, the Christian believers will have to rise UP from their comfort zones and start functioning in the power of the Name of Jesus. (Read more in Part 2 of this Article)