Thoughts for another day


January 11, 2011

Today's verse: 1 Cor. 4:20. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Many people, mostly non Christian, who behold Jesus hanging helpless on the Cross, believe that Christianity is a religion bereft of power. On the other hand, religions birthed via mythological folk lore display their 'gods' in great grandeur and form. Even tribal religions present their 'deities' in splendor and have realms written on barks of trees and stone and every available writing surface of their munificent and fantastic deeds telling how they defeated their enemies in great style. Funny this, knowing Jesus Christ as the One True God of the universe!

But then, if there is One God who is jealous if we worship anything else, it is our God, for only He can be jealous Who is the real God. And only He can command that we are to adore and serve no other except Him for He knows there's none else; notwithstanding the fact that they spite Him thinking they know better! As to His Majesty and Power, well, Jesus on earth was shorn or shall I say, chose to shed all His glory, so that we'd have the courage to face Him and talk to Him - else how could we do that. Think for example, can you sit in the presence of the sun? If not, how can you sit in front of the One who created the sun except if He had made Himself like us?

When the Jews saw Jesus hanging on the Cross, they shouted saying, 'let Him come down from the Cross and we'll believe in Him!' But Jesus knowing the purpose for which He was on the Cross kept mum - they thought He was weak. Jesus always displayed His power appropriately and never flaunted it without reason. But what power He had! Remember the time when He shouted, 'Lazarus come forth.' And Lazarus came out, tied hand and foot and the crowd watched in amazement their eyeballs popping out for he had been buried four days and perhaps stinking. Then when the storm hit the little boat in which they were crossing the Sea of Galilee, Jesus uttered, 'Peace, be still' and in a trice, there was a quiet in which you could hear them breathe!

Amazing power this; but the best is when sinners fall down before our beautiful God, rescued by His power. Just look at Zacchaeus, an ugly fellow, barely 4'9", stocky filled with voracity and greed, turning around and saying, 'Behold half of my goods I give to the poor!' And in our times among the many, John Newton comes to mind (who penned the song, "Amazing Grace") giving up all the wealth he had for the sake of the Kingdom, when struck by God's power. Truly my friend, trust God. His power is brilliant to say the least and though you be sinking up to your ears in quicksand, He will rescue you. Hold fast to your faith in Him. His power will work, for HIS KINGDOM IS NOT MERE WORD BUT POWER.