Power Broker

Jesus criticized the Sadducees saying, “You are deceived because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29)

Everywhere I go I encourage people to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Scriptures to grow in relationship with Jesus. The Sadducees were “missing” Jesus because they did not know the Scriptures. But neither did they know the power of God. How about us? What do we know about the power of God? What should we consider when we think about God’s power? When did you last contemplate the power of God?

Creation starts the conversation. Of course. God has power to bring things into being from nothing. He has the power to make things like the Sun, an elephant, the genetic code, taste buds and maple trees. And keep them going.

Creation comforts us with the knowledge that if a God with power like that is kindly disposed to us, no matter how bad things get we will be okay.

The resurrection sits at the center of the conversation. God has the power to restore life. Jesus was dead. Then he wasn’t. Lazarus was dead. Then he wasn’t. Jairus’ daughter was dead. Then she wasn’t. The widow of Zarephath’s son was dead. Then he wasn’t.

One day you’ll be dead. Then you won’t be.

But is there more to the power of God? What other aspects of God’s power should we consider?

God’s power is exercised in patience. You might say God has the power to bite his tongue. God has the power to turn the other cheek.

God’s power is exercised in forgiveness. He has the power to absorb the wrong. He has the power to pay the price without having to exact vengeance.

God’s power is exercised in service. He has the power to take care of others. He has the power to feed the hungry, make the Sun shine on the righteous and the unrighteous, wash feet.

God’s power is exercised in blessing. He rescues a newly married couple with some mighty fine wine. He reveals medical procedures like by-pass, cataract, hip replacement and other surgeries.

God’s power is exercised in delighting. He paints rainbows. He colors the countryside in the fall. He stimulates tastebuds.  

One more thing. God’s power is exercised with exquisite timing. God is a lot of things, however he is not in a hurry. But at just the right time, like when he sent his Son, he will exercise his power in your life in just the right way.

And this too. God’s power is at work not only in but through you. He is a work through you to empower you for patience, forgiveness, service, blessing and delight to others.

Lots of people around us vie for power. Power brokers are at work in politics, media, culture and the Church. In the midst of that it seems significant this week to contemplate God’s power.

*First posted October, 2022