GOD’S POWER AND PEOPLE

He giveth POWER to the FAINT; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength – Isaiah 40:29

Today, we deepen our meditation on the Bible’s distinctive perspectives on Power. Three points are worthy of note:

First, the Power of God is an inherent and unique characteristic of His Person. God is the Possessor of all Power. Power is not a cosmic energy, force, or mystical principle, as the Ancients supposed. Power cannot be equated with God Himself. He is superior to and greater than His power. His power belongs to Him. He controls and directs His power to accomplish His purposes. Power is inherent to God. God doesn’t need anyone to supply Him with power.

Second, God’s Power derives from His Person; from His Nature. However, His ETERNAL POWER is portrayed in creation:
- “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psa. 19:1).
- “He hath made the earth by HIS POWER, He hath established the world by His wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by His discretion” (Jer. 10:12).

Third, PEOPLE are central to the purpose of God’s Power. The God of the Bible primarily focuses His Power in the direction of People. However, while power is inherent to God, it is always a DERIVED characteristic to human beings. Human power is always received from another. It is often received directly from God. For example, God gives “the power to get wealth” (Deut. 8:18) and the “power to eat” (Eccl.5:19). He also gives “power to the faint” (Isa. 40:29). Paul the apostle describes himself as a minister of God by “the effectual working of His Power” (Eph.3:7). Power could also be indirectly derived through other channels such as social status, political position (Lk.20:20), or “the power of the army” (1 Chr. 20:1). However, even such indirectly-derived forms of power have their ultimate Source in God.

Whenever human beings erroneously perceive that their power is intrinsic to themselves, they become self-deceived and like Lucifer, may eventually self-destruct. God warned Israel to never say: “My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth” (Deut. 8:17). Leviticus 26:19 also warns against such delusion: “And I will break the PRIDE of your POWER; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass.” Jesus, before Pilate, spoke truth to power: “Thou couldest have NO POWER at all against me, except it were given thee from above…” (Jh.19:11). Beloved, however high and mighty you may become in destiny, never forget your Ultimate Source and Supplier of Power!