To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Summary: A doxology is an acknowledgement of God’s divinity and authority. The affirmation of God’s power is a unique kind of doxology that affirms our dependence on God.
Today’s passage is a doxology — a statement of praise and admiration towards God. In many ways, it is a statement of the obvious. We discussed the concept of a doxology in our study of Jude here. We looked at Peter’s first doxology in “The Language of Praise” here. What is curious about this particular doxology is its focus on power.
The Greek word kratos is translated as “power.” It can also mean dominion, strength, force, or simply a mighty work.
In this last half of his letter, Peter has been talking about our suffering as Christians. In 4:17, he writes about a “time for judgment” beginning with God’s household. Peter muses on the difficulties involved in saving the sinner, let alone the righteous. Then he writes of the dangers of our opponent, the devil. In all these things, he is speaking of things that require power.
Imagine for a moment, the pure, unadulterated, raw power of God.
We are talking about a being beyond our comprehension. We know him primarily through his works and his Word, but even if we only knew his works, that would be enough.
All reality, every molecule, every atom, every neutron, and electron depend on God for their existence from moment to moment. Were he to remove his support for our physical universe for even one second, I believe it would collapse like a house of cards. (Peter talks about this in his second letter, 2 Peter 3:10)
Underlying everything else is the question of power. Our arguments about what God should and shouldn’t do, what is fair and not fair, what should be and what shouldn’t, don’t matter if we don’t exist. Without God, we wouldn’t exist. Power. It is nice to have. And nobody has more than God.
Application: Think about where and what you would be without God’s power. Then get on your knees and pray accordingly.
Food for Thought: How is mankind’s use of power different than God’s?
Our power is tainted by sin and often used for self rather than to benefit others. Jesus’ power led Him to the cross. He died for others. The power of Mao, Stalin and Hitler led to the merciless slaughter of many millions.
Rich,
You provide an example of how man’s use of power is a stark contrast to God’s patience and love!
How is mankind’s use of power different than God’s?
The Bible teaches that God is all powerful!, almighty, the SOURCE of all power. His power is incomprehensible, there are no limits to what He can do. He is Omnipotent.
Matthew 19:26, And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
God is Holy and uses His power to create from nothing, to give life and freedom to His creation, to do good. God has used His power to humble Himself, dwell among men on earth, be persecuted and crucified by mankind so that all could be restored to Him. Today God uses all who have received His free gift “believers” to represent Him to others. We allow the Holy Spirit of God to shape and mold us into instruments He will use for His Good. We exist as His lights in the darkness and minister to the lost around each of us.
John 1:1, 1:14; 3:16
Mankind’s power is limited to that given to him by God. Separated from God, mankind is totally deprived. Genesis 6:5, And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Romans 8:6, For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.
In their deprived state, men use their limited power to create by utilizing elements created by God, and claim credit for themselves. They seek to diminish God and elevate themselves in all aspects of life. To make war among themselves, take the possessions and freedoms from others. Create chaos, and promote every imaginable kind of perversion as they become increasingly separated from God and left to their own devices.
Galatians 5:17, John 3:19, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Matthew 23:12,
Ron,
Excellent meditation on power today! Thank you!
God’s people use God’s power to share His light,
godless people use power to subjugate others.
Ultimately, we all face the power of God who forgives or judges
depending on our response to His Son, Jesus.
And I was going with a light switch,,.what was I thinking,..His power is mind boggling that’s for sure,..
He has given us a spirit of power,.love and self discipline,..but from the above comments,..it’s a different kind of power being referred to here,…
It’s not like I can make something from nothing,..anything I make was already here to begin with,..I did make what was called the Turf Byrd’s,..but God created the ingredients for that to come about,..I even sent one to the President of the United States,..Obama at the time,..if you type in The Turf Byrds into the google image search bar a photo of me and the Turf Byrd should pop up,..God gave me the power to invent these little pieces of crap to put a smile on people’s faces,..at least that’s the way I see it anyway,..and that is what I believe Ron is referring to,..only I gave all the credit to God,..it’s just that people weren’t really ready to be buying a bunch of crap,..however I did manage to sell about 35 of these little pieces of,..well you get the picture,..I think one reason it didn’t go very well is because one of the Byrd’s name was Holy,..
Onto bigger an better things with the power God has invested in me,…today in the circle of prayer,..I read from one of the letters Paul wrote,..this letter was t o the Ephesians and I read to the guys this morning right out of God’s word about the armor of God,..I have been talking about it,..and I believe God spoke to me,..saying,..”just read it to them”,..so I did,..now they want more,..
So cool to have that kind of power,..to listen and respond,..
John,
You have an amazing sense of humor! And your love for the Lord always shines through. I love the story about sharing Ephesians 6 with your men. What an awesome ministry! Imagine if every company started their workday with a meditation on God’s Word?!