Draw on the Strength of the Holy Spirit

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from John 7:10, ” But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. “

Background

In the original Star Wars film from 1977, Luke Skywalker is living with his step-uncle and aunt when he is tasked with buying some droids to help out with the farm. As it turns out, the two he purchases are fleeing from the evil Galactic Empire, as the one called R2-D2 contains secret plans of their Death Star. While Luke tracks down R2, who has roamed off into the desert looking for an old Jedi knight named Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Empire soldiers arrive at his home, killing his family and destroying his home. Left with nothing, and wanting to aid the cause of the Rebel Alliance against the Empire, Luke convinces Obi-Wan to teach him the ways of the Force, the metaphysical power that exists through all living things and can be harnessed and used for good or evil. As they begin their journey to rescue the Princess who hid the plans in the R2 unit, they first visit the spaceport Mos Eisley to acquire a spaceship and a captain. At the edge of town, Imperial guards stop and question them about their droids. Using the power of the force, Obi-Wan manages to manipulate the will of the guards, incorporating a Jedi mind trick to undermine and alter their brief interrogation. Though openly transporting suspicious droids, Luke and Obi-Wan are able to enter the town and accomplish their mission.

Application

Jesus did not utilize any mind tricks when He secretly came to the Feast of Tabernacles in Judea. But knowing that the Jews wanted to kill Him, Jesus did spend the first few days of the Feast out of the public eye. And while the elders inquired about Him, the people argued over whether Jesus was good or evil. Concealing His identity, Jesus no doubt heard the debates of the locals regarding His intent and purpose. Even less visible today, Jesus is yet hearing the debates over His intent and purpose. We, His children, are making those arguments through our words and actions. Our love and our compassion can be deafening, either in their expression or their silence. Let His love through the Holy Spirit be the force that overwhelms the lostness around you.

Charge

As we seek Him today, call on the invisible and unconquerable to make a difference in you today.