March 4, 2004

THE POWER OF GOD

"But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24, NIV).

Using the figure of personification, the apostle Paul identifies Christ as the "power of God and the wisdom of God." In this context, the power of God is not an attribute or an abstract force. It is Jesus Himself who is the very embodiment of divine power. Christ is the power of God by whom creation and redemption have been accomplished. He not only created the world, but commands and controls His creation (see John 1:3; Colossians 1:17). He stilled the tempest and walked on the storm-tossed sea (see Mark 4:39). The winds and the waves obeyed Him.

As the power of God, Christ healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, gave speech to the dumb, cured all manner of diseases, fed the hungry multitudes, and forgave sins (see Mark 2:7; John 8:11). By His inherent power, He laid down His life and took it up again (see John 10:18). During His remarkable ministry, Jesus gave life to the dead (see Luke 7:15; John 11:44). He alone could declare, "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25, NIV). Christ, the power of God, is the source of transforming power, resurrection power, overcoming power, and sustaining power.

Jesus is the power of God pledged to us and acting for us as Saviour and Lord (see Ephesians 3:20). He declared, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18). That is supreme power made available to all who come to Him in faith.

Ellen G. White sums up Christ's infinite power in these words: "Christ is to be your light; Christ is to be your sufficiency and power. Christ is the root, and He sustains every branch by His power."--The Home Missionary, September 1, 1896.

My Prayer Today: Lord, You have given me Christ the power of God. May I claim His power for daily victory. Amen.