PERSPECTIVES TO POWER

For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His ETERNAL POWER and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: – Romans 1:20

In our earlier meditations, we examined the primacy and dimensions of power, and God’s Ultimate Possession of all Power. By this, we stand on a firmer ground to meditate on the MEANING of POWER – the Perspectives to Power. How is the term ‘Power’ used in general, in science, in politics and human relationships, and in the Bible?

Generally, the word ‘Power’ evokes a range of notions such as authority, ability, capacity, capability, energy, force, might, strength, or vigour. It is the ability to do, act, perform, or produce effectively. In science, ‘Power’ refers to “the rate at which work is done” or “energy produced per unit of time.” Physicists refer to electrical, mechanical, solar, water, or wind power. In human relationships, power is the ability to act, control, sway or have influence over others; the authority (positional or legal) that a person holds over another. The idiom “the powers that be” means “the persons in control.” Nations and institutions are also sometimes described as powers: diplomatic, economic, foreign, military or multinational powers.

Biblically, the meaning of “power” depends on the interpretations given to the original Hebrew and Greek terms from which it was translated. The Greek term ‘EXOUSIA’ is often translated as Power in the King James Version; while it is translated “authority” in most modern versions. Ancient Greek thinkers used the word ‘DUNAMIS’ to portray the idea of a major cosmic principle that was often elevated to the level of deity. They seldom spoke of “the power of God”, since the notions of ‘power’ and ‘God’ were viewed as equivalent. Although some Eastern philosophies still hold to such notions, the biblical revelation of God has substantially reduced their influence.

From the biblical perspective, God is a PERSON not merely a cosmic Principle, Force or Power. God is not Nature or an aspect of it. Rather, He is the Omnipotent, All-powerful Creator of all things – both the natural and supernatural. The phrase ‘POWER of GOD’ therefore infers that the Person of God possesses the characteristic of power, being the Creator and Prime Mover of the entire universe. God is the Living Creator, Preserver and Sustainer of all beings and all things (Rom. 1:13). He is the Living God of history. Indeed, History is part of HIS STORY. The One who brought all things into existence also DELEGATES and DISTRIBUTES POWER to people to fulfil His eternal purposes: “I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me” (Jer. 27:5).