… when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power …
Summary: What is power? That is the question posed by Peter’s claim. The power of the Lord Jesus Christ extends beyond any comfort or threat this world has to offer.
Did Jesus Christ come “in power?” When did that happen?
From a worldly perspective, this statement by Peter is a bit of a head-scratcher. Jesus, after all, was little more than an itinerant carpenter who kept saying things to upset Jewish leaders. Yet this person whom the world “despised” (Isaiah 53:3) changed the world. No other person has ever come close to impacting human history to the extent that Jesus has.
How is that possible?
The answer to that question is that Jesus is more than a man. He is God. John describes it this way:
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1: 14)
“Power” in human terms has to do with being able to force people to act in certain ways. We see it all the time in the news. More so every day, it seems. People are being threatened with jail or imprisoned for doing things that were considered acceptable only a year ago. The world smiles because it has the power to send shock troops to break into people’s homes and haul them off in the dead of night. The world delights in terrifying people so much that they are afraid to speak.
Jesus not only defied the world’s power, but he was also indifferent to it.
The power that Jesus came with was a much greater power than the world’s. Jesus came bringing with him the power of life.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
It is true that Jesus demonstrated other kinds of power when he fed thousands of people with just a handful of food (Matthew 14: 13-21). He showed that his power extended over the physical realm when he changed the weather and calmed the sea (Luke 8:22-25). He also illustrated his power by healing people of sickness (Matthew 12:15). He even demonstrated power over death (John 11:38-44).
Yet, when it came to his own life, he used none of these powers. He allowed the authorities of the day to abuse his body and then kill and bury him. The world was ecstatic! They had shown him who had the real power.
Then, three days later, when the dead are not just “dead” but are dead beyond any question of possible recovery, Jesus stepped out of the grave and showed himself to his followers.
Power.
The power to bounce back after being dead for three days dwarfs any claim to power that the world has. The claims Jesus made about being the Son of God are fully validated. The question about life after death has been answered.
The world continues to rage, impotent to change the reality of Jesus’ victory over death. Death continues to scream its threats. Like a child trapped on a scary amusement ride, we might react in fear. Unless we know Jesus. Then we, too, become indifferent to the noise.
Application: Remember the power of Jesus when the world is threatening to break down your door.
Food for Thought: What comes to your mind when you think of Jesus Christ coming in power?
I think of 2/3 of all the Angel’s and so much more.
Mr. T,
Thank you! Yes, there is the angel army!
2 Kings 6:16-17 comes to mind. 🙂
I think a lot of folks share in fear when they are subjected to anyone that “holds” power over them in any capacity. It can be as you described, being dragged away in the dead of the night, or as simple as your supervisor at work and the “fear” of being made to work late or a bad appraisal. The fear is always the same, that you as a person are viewed as less than, and therefore subject to abuse. Many times people are able to “outlast” situations like that by telling themselves that it won’t last forever. What comes to my mind when I think of Jesus Christ coming in power is that Christ’s power is kind and gentle, not self-serving and certainly not abusive. His power is the power that brings us together in truth and grace, making us all equal and valued in His love. The best part is, there is no “outlasting” His power, it is eternal. An eternity of love, if you accept it.
Psalm 136:26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Colossians 3:14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Chris,
Good to hear from you! You make a great point! God’s eternal nature is a kind of power. He will outlast any adversity we encounter.
Well said!
10-04-2021, 2 Peter 1:16b, What comes to your mind when you think of Jesus Christ coming in power?
The world views power by how much wealth can be gathered or how many people one can control.
In reality, acts of humble obedience to Gods will over our own is true power. The powerful are those who exercise self control, make themselves small and elevate others. Humility has to do with viewing ourself properly regarding our gifts, abilities, purpose, weaknesses and limitations. Our humility is based upon how we respond to the worlds view of failure, earthly power given to us, and obedience to God. Do we practice servant leadership or become puffed up in our own self-importance? Jesus is our example and the source of our power to live pleasing God, exercising His power over ourselves..
Philippians 2:4-12, Matthew 5:5, 1 Corinthians 1:27, 1 Peter 5:5-6, John 3:30, Philippians 2:3
Ron,
Interesting take! God’s power is on display when we exercise God-powered self-control. It certainly provides a contrast to the world’s approach.
I love how self-control doesn’t come from yourself.
Amen!
I primarily think of His power over our enemies of sin, death and Satan. As you mention in your devotion, the power over death through the resurrection may be the most impressive and important demonstration of His power. John 11: 25 – 26; Romans 1: 4; 1 Corinthians 15: 54 – 58.
Thank you, Rich.
It is important to keep in mind the truth of what you say. Our enemy is not of this world.
It makes me think that God is in control
🙂