February 10, 2004

THE ALMIGHTY

" 'I am. . . the Beginning and the End,' says the Lord, 'who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty' " (Revelation 1:8, NKJV).

The title, "Almighty," is a popular Old Testament designation of God, the Father. It is an exclusive title of divinity. Throughout the Old Testament, it is used forty-eight times, including thirty-one occurrences in the book of Job alone. "Almighty" is one of John's favorite titles for portraying Christ in the Apocalypse; it occurs there eight times.

When applied to Jesus Christ, this title emphasizes His divinity. As the Almighty, Christ is the omnipotent One who is mighty to save. This impressive title portrays Jesus Christ as the all-powerful, self-sufficient Saviour and Lord of the universe. All energy, power, and authority are under His supreme control. With such stupendous power at His disposal, no wonder He said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18, NIV). With such an almighty, ever-present Lord, we have the continuing assurance of victory. The apostle Paul, tapping into this redemptive omnipotence, exclaimed, "Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV).

"The Almighty" is a title brimful of hope and confirmation. It is a title that speaks of God's sustaining grace and keeping power. Christ, the almighty One, has never failed to preserve and sustain His redeemed people. Even His death on the cross was a powerful confirmation of His redeeming omnipotence. Commenting on Jesus, "the Almighty," Ellen G. White wrote: "Jesus is our advocate, He is our friend at court. Let us lean on His almighty arm... In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. You have a complete Saviour, who is close by your side, and with and through Him you can do all things."--Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, p. 13.

My Prayer Today: Lord, thank You for Jesus my Saviour who is mighty to save. Amen.