May 17, 2002 By The Rev. Alexander Jalso 4 min read

Scripture reading: Acts of Apostles 2:1-4, 14-21. Text: (Jesus had made this promise just before his ascension.) “I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49. Among the three persons of the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Ghost – we are least certain about the Holy Spirit. As we celebrate Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Church, we wish to have a better understanding about the third person of the triune God. Not so much who he is but rather how he works and how he affects our daily life?

Let us be sure first about the meanings of a few words that are almost synonyms.

How would you define, explain and interpret the meanings and applications of these words we use often in our conversations and correspondence?

Strength. Strength is rather passive than active. When something/somebody is strong, he/she/it possesses the ability to withstand, resist and overcome. We usually say, he/she/it is strong, referring to material, a building or even a person. A strong person will survive the unfavorable situations. Strength does not require much action, rather stamina and perseverance.

Energy. In contrast to strength, energy is rather active. According to the dictionary, this is one of the definitions of energy: “The capacity for work or vigorous activity.” Energy can be created, transformed and used. What is a generator or alternator? A machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical one, and the electric motor works in the opposite way. The battery stores the electrical energy. Energy is available and usable physical power through some kind of mechanism.

Power. As the dictionary says: “The ability or capacity to perform or act effectively.” The power can be physical or abstract, like muscle or mental power. At a power plant, energy (coal, oil, wind) is used to produce electricity, and the electric power will be in turn utilized in so many ways, e.g. to heat, light, cool, etc. Power is closer to humans than to Mother Nature.

Force. We can say that force is “wild or raw power.” Think of a storm, or flood or a volcanic eruption. What is the difference between being “powerful” and “forceful”? Whose company would your prefer, a powerful or a forceful person’s? Force is what we have to contend with and cannot manipulate easily.

Authority. As the dictionary describes it: “The power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge.”

Authority is totally abstract and not physical at all. Authority does not exist in Mother Nature’s realm, it is entirely human and requires intelligence, organization and legal power. Now, please think of a person who is energetic, strong, powerful, forceful and authoritative. Except being forceful, you wish to possess the other four qualities.

How does the Holy Spirit fit into the picture?

Which one does the Holy Spirit resemble the most, strength, energy, power, force, authority or a combination of some of them? I would not dare to say that I know the exact answer, and whatever I say is perfect, but I am certain that I am close to the truth when I define the Holy Spirit in this way: The Holy Spirit is a special power, from a special source, for a special purpose, for special people. Here the issue is that special is neither exclusive nor general.

Holy Spirit is a special force because he inspires, enables, enlightens and facilitates (to energize would be to strong of an expression). Comes from a special source who has the highest authority, the Almighty God. For a special purpose to facilitate (help to become reality) the requests we present in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, . . .” and for special people – that is not those who think that they are unique or favored, or saints – but who belong to the Lord: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27.

We also have this special privilege to pray for this special gift, namely to be “clothed with power from on high.”

The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.