We Need a Hero Today

Judges 3:7-11

During a time when Israel was oppressed by a thug whose name meant “double wicked darkness,” God sent a hero to deliver them.

This hero, Othniel, had a solid pedigree. His relative, Caleb, was one of 12 spies sent by Moses into the Promised Land. Ten of the spies were afraid but "Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, 'We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it'" (Numbers 13:30).

However, it was the Spirit of God that brought Othniel's victory rather than his DNA or military prowess. He was one of only 18 individuals in the Old Testament who had the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit came on Othniel, he conquered the enemy. When the Spirit came on the apostles at Pentecost, they turned the world upside down.

Today, this Holy Spirit filling is promised to every believer. Paul told us to be "filled with the Spirit," (Ephesians 5:18).

The Holy Spirit give us power to conquer any enemy. The Holy Spirit equips us for spiritual battle against relationship problems, addictions and the temptations that afflict us. The Holy Spirit allows God to use us in ways that we can hardly imagine.

We need heroes like Othneil today in our churches and our communities around the world. Christians are oppressed in Iraq and other countries; people oppress each other in our own nation. While, we do not need to be delivered from the King of Mesopotamia, we have our own “double wicked darkness” to contend with.

Sin is at the heart of suffering and oppression and the Holy Spirit is the cure. You can be a hero to someone by showing them God's love in your word's and actions.

Soul Winning Power

Acts 1:8

Jesus promised us Holy Spirit power to be his witnesses. Holy Spirit power filled the Apostle Peter as he preached a sermon that led 3000 to faith in Jesus. Holy Spirit power filled the early Christians so that new believers were created DAILY.

Holy Spirit power is unleashed through prayer. Jesus' followers were gathered in prayer before the Holy Spirit came down and unleashed miraculous power that led so many to faith. We need to pray for those whom we know are not believers. Pray that God reveal Himself to them the way He did at Pentecost.

Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2)

Let us pray that God will stir our hearts and send us into the harvest field to share our faith with others.

Holy Spirit power is unleashed when we give others our time. Jesus gave people time. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. Jesus taught him that a person had to be born again. He was a teacher but did not understand this basic spiritual teaching. Jesus was patient and taught the teacher.

Jesus spoke to people at their point of need. To a woman getting water he spoke about living water. Jesus told a rich young man to give it all up.

Give people your time and talk about their interests. They will ask questions, so, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)

Holy Spirit power is unleashed through service. Jesus showed his love for the world by being servant. He healed the sick, fed the hungry and sought after people in society's margins. When we serve others as Jesus did, we put our love into action and open hearts to the gospel.

Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Serving the real needs of other people creates opportunities to talk to them about their spiritual needs that they may not even realize they have. 

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