Morning Devotional

September 15, 2003

"Dynamite"  

by Don Emmitte

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Then he said, "When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me by Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must all come true." Then he opened their minds to understand these many Scriptures. And he said, "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again from the dead on the third day. With my authority, take this message of repentance to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: `There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.' You are witnesses of all these things. And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” (Luke 24:44-49 NLT).

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 this 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 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!