Thursday, October 18, 2012

Weekly Devotion: All Power

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

These verses have been called, “The Great Commission”, and rightly so. It is “Great” because it is God’s ultimate objective for believers. It is a “Co-mission” because it is a joint effort, Jesus supplies the “power”, and we have the mandate to “Go” and “teach” all peoples (i.e. make disciples), baptize them, and train them in Christ’s commandments. The Great Commission is not for all though, it is for disciples only. One cannot “Go” or be sent until he has been “called”; “And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power…” (Mark 6:7).

It is impossible to fathom all aspects of his infinite power, but Psalm 66:7 says, “He ruleth by his power for ever…” Jeremiah 10:12 says, “He hath made the earth by his power…” in fact Romans 13:1 says, “…For there is no power but of God…” The Bible also refers to God as the “Almighty”, because he has all might / power. These are reasons for the praise that he receives in glory.

“And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Revelation 19:6

But how does the Christian plug-in to God’s omnipotence / “all power” in this life? The answer lies in an apparent contradiction, it directly correlates with our “weakness”!

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Friend, realizing that we have nothing in and of ourselves to say, we need to “Go” and speak God’s word, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful…” (Hebrews 4:12). Speaking God’s word rather than our own will keep people from error and give them knowledge of God’s “power” too; “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29). God’s “power” is alive in the actual words of the gospel but it lays dormant until activated by belief!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth...” Romans 1:16

Acts 1:8 teaches that we receive this “power” via the Holy Spirit, to make us “witnesses”, when we get saved. Christian, if you don’t currently operate in God’s “power”, begin by opening your mouth and “Go” tell someone God’s words and what the “cross” has done for you, that is all “preaching” is. If you are not yet saved, you don’t have to “perish”, if God is knocking, pray to let him in…

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1Corinthians 1:18

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