If you are a Star Wars fan you will certainly be familiar with this particular catch phrase that makes up the title of this devotion. One way in which it is used is as a blessing that invokes "the Force" a metaphysical power capable of being wielded for good and to protect or guide the other person. In general use, the phrase is often a humorous way of wishing someone success or good fortune.
Is there really such a force existent in our world today? Is there a hidden power that comes from outside the physical realm that has a place in our world? I am definitely not a scientist or mathematician, who can delve into the deep things of these disciplines. Yet, outside of the physical aspect of our humanity there is a great force that does work in our lives.
What is this powerful, non-visible force I am alluding to? Dear friends, it is called the Holy Spirit! Some of the accounts in Holy Scripture that relate to this unseen force are found in John 20:22, And when He (Jesus) said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”; Acts 1:8, Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”; Acts 19:6, And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.; Acts 10:37-38, You yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He (Jesus) went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
For those of us, who are Christians, the Holy Spirit is a mighty force we can tap into each and every day. It is the power of God given to us as a gift, so that we might walk steadfast in the one true faith and be empowered to do the work our Lord has called us to carry out in His name. There is no force like it in heaven or under the heavens by which man is granted the power to serve Almighty God faithfully. So, if you ever hear me say “May the force be with you”, what I am really saying is may the Holy Spirit of our Living God be with you.
Saying that statement in a spiritual, God-centered context makes more sense, since I am not and never have been a big Star Wars fan!!! Pastor McCarty