Dynamite

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:44-49 ESV). Alfred Nobel was born in Stockholm in 1833. When he was 9 years old, the family moved moved to St. Petersburg. Nobel went on to live in many countries and ultimately came to regard himself as a citizen of the world. He has gone down in history as the inventor of dynamite, the explosive that has played such a central role in the industrial development of the world. Alfred Nobel worked hard to improve nitroglycerin as an explosive that could be used in blasting rock and in mining. He made one of his most important discoveries when he found that by mixing nitroglycerin, an oily fluid, with silica, the mixture could be turned into a paste. This material could be kneaded and shaped into rods suitable for insertion into drilling holes. He called his paste dynamite and went on to develop a blasting cap which could be used to detonate dynamite under controlled conditions. It is interesting that the man for whom the most highly prized award for peace is named should be the inventor of such a destructive device as dynamite! However, when you understand his reasoning for the invention, it becomes a simple matter to understand. So it was with Jesus’ promise to send us power, which more literally translated is the word “dynamite.” The Greek word is literally dunamis, from which we get our English word “dynamite.” Peace on earth and between men requires the use of the most awesome power known in the universe. It is the power of God applied in the hearts and minds of men. Treaties, laws, and rules can only provide a guide to peace. It is only when men decide to honor and respect one another that real peace may be achieved. That can only happen when we are at peace with God. God’s grace through Christ is the essential means for being at peace. Once we are forgiven, we may then forgive others and thus live at peace with one another. Sometimes it may seem like we must blast through solid rock to get there, but the power to do that is available through the Holy Spirit. Have you received that “dynamite power?” You can. Just ask Him to forgive you and reside in your life with His full presence. You will then have all the “dynamite” you need!