February Pastor’s Chat
Our theme for 2009, God Is Worthy, leads to the question, “Of what is God worthy?” One of our theme verse, Revelation 5:12, answers that question: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” In this Pastor’s Chat I would like to focus on the truth that God is worthy to receive power.
What is meant by power? Power in this context means authority. For example news headlines recently read, “Obama Takes Power.” That statement summarizes the fact that Obama, by taking the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States of America, took the authority and responsibility of that office. Scripture makes it clear that God gives authority and responsibility to those in power. Any power that any of us have comes from God. God is the all-powerful One, who entrusts power to men. King David understood man’s accountability to God for the power entrusted to them when he prophesied, “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (2 Samuel 23:3).
In this earthly life God gives us a freewill to recognize and submit to His supreme power or rebel and reject His authority over us. When we acknowledge God’s power by obeying Him, we give God the power due His name. He is worthy to receive power! When Solomon received the kingdom from David his father he acknowledged that it came from God and called upon God to give him the wisdom to rule well
(2 Chronicles 1 & 2). What power, authority, or responsibility has God given to you? Have you acknowledged that it is from God? Are you looking to God to use that power in a way that is worthy of Him?
With prayer, Pastor Mark
Verses on Power, Authority, and Ruling
Psalm 66:7, “He [God] ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves.”
Psalm 103:19, “The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.”
Daniel 4:25, “That they shall drive thee [Nebuchadnezzar] from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.”
Exodus 9:16, “And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee [Moses] up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.”
Exodus 15:6, “Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.”
2 Samuel 23:3, “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”
Deuternonomy 8:18, “But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.”
Luke 19:17, “And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.”
John 5:27, “And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
I Timothy 2:1-3, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.”
Magnify! 