The subject of the power of God is not new to any of us. We think about it often when we pray for the salvation of others. We meditate on it in light of world events. We talk to others about in defense of God, or perhaps, in angry or tearful condemnation of God.
God is indeed powerful. Not only is he powerful, he is ALL powerful. His power is without limits in accordance with his nature. Yet we doubt it. Why?
He created all things. (Genesis 1) Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have witnessed creation? He spoke and the universe popped into existence! Galaxies appeared, spinning on their axis. Sometimes I imagine him tossing stars and galaxies out line frisbees. I have no reason to think that from the word, it’s simply how I imagine a God of all power to handle things of such immensity as though they are toys. Yet he transcends even that. He spoke. He willed it, and all that he willed was created. Think about that for a while, and come back.
He made man from dust. (Genesis 2:7) As though he made us from clay like a potter. Yet we are not dust, we are flesh and blood. Not only did he form man but he breathed into him life. We want to doubt this, too. Why? Does it sound too supernatural for you? God is supernatural. He supersedes nature. He is above the natural laws that he created and can work in any manner he pleases, within the realm of scientific explanation and wholly outside it. Does this cause hesitation in you? God transcends his creation and this includes his absolute sovereignty to do as he wills with everything.
God is enthroned above all things. His authority is over all earthly authority. He is King. (Exod. 15:18; Ps. 29:10; 93–99; 2 Kings 19:15; Jer. 10:7, 10; etc.) He calls himself the Lord Almighty. ““I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”” (Revelation 1:8) He is without beginning and end because he is eternal. He is, and was, and is to come and this eternality of God is expressed also in his omniscience. He knows all things not only because he is eternal and knows all things, but he is everywhere. Not only is he omnipresent, but he has power to accomplish all things. He is omnipotent, the Lord Almighty.
God has the authority and the power to do as he pleases. (Matt 28:18, Rom. 9:21) He does and he wills, and whatever he decrees will happen. We possess but a shadow of the power and authority of God. We are completely dependent on him and his gracious granting to us of breath each day. (Acts 17:28) He calls, and we irresistibly come. (John 6:44) He graciously works all things according to his will. (Eph. 1:11)
He has the authority to heal or to destroy. To make it rain or to withhold rain. To stay the hand of evil men or to allow it. From our street level view, lost in the crowds of humanity, it can look like chaos and confusion without rhyme or reason. Yet God is not limited in view or mental ability in his power. He sees and knows all things. He works all things in accordance with his will. Friends, you can trust him.
His power is unlimited in accordance with his nature. And what is his nature? Is it capricious and cruel? Is it whimsical and uncaring? Hardly! God is love. Love is from God. (1 John 4:8) God is good. (Psalm 136:1ff) The Lord cares for you. (Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7)
As we’ve ever so briefly skimmed above the Lord has the power to care for you. Not only does he have it, he uses it. All things are upheld by the word of his power. (Hebrews 1:3) There is not a time where God does not exert his power in any situation. We only exist because he wills it and upholds us.
Consider, in this Christmas season, the all powerful creator of the universe condescended to human flesh and was born in a stable. The ruler of the universe chose a lowly birth in a manger in Bethlehem. As if the indignity of the incarnation were not enough, he submitted to murder at the hands of his own creation. Hanging, bloodied and beaten, on a cross that he could have caused to no longer exist. Mocked by men in whom his breath gave them life.
This Almighty God died there, in our place, his power in fact in full display.
In this bloody act of cosmic treason and mutiny, when all seemed lost and hope gone, the Lamb of God crushed the head of the Serpent with all the force of heavenly power. From the tomb strode forth God. Resurrected. Glorified. In this resurrection we glorify our God of love and power who died in our place that we might live to him. (Rom. 6:21)
This Jesus, whom we crucified, is coming again in power to set all things right. (Rev. 19:11-21) He is coming on a white horse wearing a robe dipped in blood with eyes of fire and an army riding behind him. He will throw Satan and death into hell. (Rev. 20) This was the plan from before the foundation of the world. (Eph. 1:4, 1 Peter 1:20) He will make all things right. His decrees will be accomplished. His power, never threatened, will be on full display to all either in their judgment in hell, or in their judgment taken by Christ on the cross. In all things, The Lord Almighty, El Shaddai, Ruler of Heaven and Earth, Creator, Sustainer, Savior, will be glorified.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33–36)
