The world in which we live is infatuated with power. Political power, financial power, military power, academic power, social media power, influencer power. Really, the list could go on and on. We see this insatiable thirst for power demonstrated on practically every stage in our society. Even in our blessed Movement, we can hear the refrain, “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.” Yet, the self-seeking for might and power always leads to destruction, and it usually begins with the self-centered practitioner.
God spoke to the nation of Israel through Zechariah and set the right disposition to divine resources that demonstrate His power as Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things. In Zech. 4:6 (ESV) God gives these words to the prophet: “‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts.” Two Hebrew words used here are significant. They are significant on their own, but together they take on a higher meaning to give the listener absolute certainty of His message.
The first word is “hayil,” which translates to “might” that means to affect something by means of wealth or by an army with military might. It can relate to a man or woman whose competence is so great in his or her respective field that something can be done whether in battle or in daily life. Hayil does not appear to be used by any biblical author to describe the power of God, just humanity.
The second word is “koach,” which translates to “power.” Unlike hayil, koach is used in direct relation to God. It is often used to describe God’s creative power and His ability to save His people.
When these two words are used in combination, it means that man is using his power like God to generate wealth and force that produces a royal-like force to affect something. From a cursory observation, this may appeal to altruistic sensibilities and judgments. However, when these two words are used together, as in Zech. 4:6, it refers to the total human capacity, which is only available through the divine resourcing of God.
God is saying to His people and to us that if anything of value, worth or substance is to be done, it will not be done by humanity’s might or power; to think otherwise is a delusion.
For the person who is faithfully and humbly following God, there is a far greater and divine power available. God speaks into our heart’s deepest hunger and thirst, which is not for more human might and power, but for the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God. This filling of the Spirit is paramount for every believer, and more so for those who lead the people of God.
The unique juxtaposition is that a person can only be filled with the Holy Spirit when one is empty of himself or herself. To retain a claim upon might and power will eliminate the possibility of being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. In other words, a believer who is seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit must, in word and deed, practice self-giving love that defeats the self and allows room in the believer’s heart and life for total indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The most powerful example of self-giving love is found in Jesus Christ. His sacrificial love, demonstrated through His life, death and resurrection, serves as a model for us. Jesus’ willingness to lay down His life for humanity is the ultimate act of self-giving love. Showing true love involves sacrifice and a deep commitment to the salvation of others.
Self-giving love is not limited to grand gestures; it is often expressed in the simple, everyday choices we make. This is one of the greatestprivileges of being an orthodox Salvationist. It can be seen in the soldier who tirelessly cares for the children of their corps, makes friends with those who have no friends, or welcomes a stranger and offers help without hesitation. These acts of love, though they may go unnoticed by the world, are the building blocks of a triumphant faith that makes us The Salvation Army and will win the world for Jesus.
In a world often characterized by power-hungry self-interest and competition, Holy Spirit-filled, self-giving love stands as a beacon of hope. Our actions, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on the lives of others because we are living with the indwelling power of God.
