Letting go of Power - July 2

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:145-176; PM Psalm 128, 129, 130; 1 Samuel 12:1-6,16-25; Acts 8:14-25; Luke 23:1-12

Now that my son is 13, we’ve started watching some of the classic movies and shows that have predated his life. Films that are part of the cultural canon in a funny, nostalgic kind of way. Recently we watched together was Napoleon Dynamite. It’s a strange little movie from my time as a youth minister, full of awkward silences and oddball characters, but beneath the surface there’s a surprising amount of heart.

The story centers on an election. Pedro, the quiet and unassuming new kid, runs for class president against the cliquish and traditionally popular girl. His campaign slogan is bold and absurd: “Vote for me, and all your wildest dreams will come true.” In a world obsessed with control, influence, and appearances, that promise—however tongue-in-cheek—taps into something deep: the longing for power, for things to go our way. What wins the election, though, isn’t a strong speech or clever strategy. It’s Napoleon’s wildly unexpected and painfully awkward dance routine on Pedro’s behalf. (Jack refuses to learn the dance but did find it wildly entertaining).  In that moment, vulnerability and loyalty carry more weight than any campaign promise.

In Acts 8, we meet Simon the magician, who sees the apostles laying hands on people and the Holy Spirit descending upon them. He’s amazed, but not in a way that leads to worship or gratitude. Instead, he offers them money so he can have that same power. His instinct is to possess what he sees rather than participate in what God is doing. Peter rebukes him sharply, not because he desires something good, but because he misunderstands the nature of the Spirit.  It is not something we control for our own gain. It can only be received as gift, and something that we share in love.

So much of what is broken in our world can be traced back to our love of power—our need to dominate, to win, to be in control. From politics to relationships to religion, we are tempted to believe that the answer to our problems lies in gaining more influence or authority. But the Gospel tells a different story. It calls us to let go of control, to repent of our grasping, and to live instead in the vulnerability of love, in the unabashed relinquishing of grace.

The way of Jesus is not about acquiring power but surrendering it, trusting that in giving ourselves away, we will find the life that is truly life. That’s not just good news; it’s a revolution, one that will change our lives and albeit, the whole world. 

 John+

Question for Self-Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to grasp for control or influence? And what might it look like to let go of that power in order to make room for love?