Daily Digest: Capstone Capsule

“...the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His ETERNAL POWER...” – Romans 1:20

The Creation narratives clearly portray God’s DIVINE POWER for IMPACT: “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” (Rom.1:20). The word ‘Power’ evokes the ideas of ability, authority, capacity, capability, energy, force, might, and strength. Power is the ability to 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 different forms of energy or power such as electrical, mechanical, solar, water, wind, and nuclear power. None of these can operate outside the sphere of their Creator!

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. Nations severally refer to diplomatic, economic, foreign, military, and multinational powers. Biblically, the Greek term ‘exousia’ is often translated as Power in the King James Version; while it is translated “authority” in most modern versions. Another word ‘Dunamis’ signifies God’s ability and might, as well as the power given to believers by the Holy Spirit. More than mere strength, it is God’s power in action. Essentially, in all contexts, Power produces Performance.

God’s Power was involved in every process of creation, and He still upholds “all things by the Word of His Power” (Heb.1:3). He also displayed His Power all through the Old and New Testaments either directly or indirectly through angelic and human vessels. Power is an intrinsic need of all humanity. People have a desire to experience Power in its diverse dimensions and different levels of operation. Everyone needs to know or at least feel that at some point in life, they have some measure of power over the moment. However, the world is also pervaded with the abuse and misuse of various forms of power.

Humanity’s abuse and misuse of power are offshoots of the rebellion of an out-law cast down from heaven – Lucifer, who became Satan, whose corrupted versions of power are leading multitudes into ingratitude, futility, foolishness, falsehood, idolatry, uncleanness, and lusts (vv.21-25). The antidote against all of these negative manifestations is the Gospel of Christ, which “is the POWER of GOD to salvation for everyone who believes” (v.16). Both from the works of God in creation and our Redemption in Christ, we are meant to walk in the understanding that ultimately “Power belongs to God” (Psa.62:11b).