…the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,
Summary: Power is desired by those who want control over others. Jesus shows us that real power is revealed when we can control our desire for power over others.
Consider what Paul is saying in this passage: Jesus Christ has the power to bring everything under his control.
Wow.
What if he chose to use that power? What if Jesus decided today that he was tired of being ignored and disobeyed? Imagine having the power to make everyone pay attention and obey! Now, imagine having that power and not using it.
Instead of forcing compliance with his will, Jesus does something that is both amazing and — to those of us with less patience — frustrating. He allows each of us to decide for ourselves whether or not we will recognize Jesus as Lord and obey.
This is a hard thing to accept.
There is a great deal of division and anger in the world today. The old sins of coveting what others have still haunt us. Jealousy, anger, and hate still boil over in society again and again. Greed is a monster with a boundless appetite.
Yet, in the midst of moral darkness, there is still a glimmer of light.
Jesus Christ, who has the power to bring everything under his control, is that light (John 9:5).
So, what are we to learn from this?
Jesus says:
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)
A traditional yoke is a wooden bar that links two work animals together. The stronger, more mature animal guides the younger. Being yoked together is a way of serving together while at the same time learning the job.
If we allow ourselves to be yoked to Jesus, imagine what we could learn!
Even the relatively little power each of us has could be subdued and channelled. Instead of being a weapon used by the darkness inside that covets and hates, our power — perhaps more importantly, our restraint — becomes a channel for sharing the light of Jesus Christ.
Power is a two-edged sword. If a person who has power cannot control it, then the power controls them. Jesus shows us that the real power is self-control, not control over others.
Application: Wear Jesus’ yoke proudly.
Food for Thought: What would the world be like if Jesus used his power to bring everything under his control?
All I can offer to that question is speculation, and honestly, it raised a lot more questions in my mind than answers. That’s the mark of a good question!
I can offer this; we know God is holy, righteous, and good, and we know that Jesus is God, and is of the same will as God, and therefore, if Jesus took control of everything, it would be good according to His will.
Isaiah 65
17 “For behold, I create new heavens
and a new earth,
and the former things shall not be remembered
or come into mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice forever
in that which I create;
for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy,
and her people to be a gladness.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem
and be glad in my people;
no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping
and the cry of distress.
20 No more shall there be in it
an infant who lives but a few days,
or an old man who does not fill out his days,
for the young man shall die a hundred years old,
and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed.
21 They shall build houses and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 They shall not build and another inhabit;
they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
and my chosen shall long enjoy[c] the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labor in vain
or bear children for calamity,[d]
for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord,
and their descendants with them.
24 Before they call I will answer;
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall graze together;
the lion shall eat straw like the ox,
and dust shall be the serpent’s food.
They shall not hurt or destroy
in all my holy mountain,”
says the Lord.
Revelation 21
21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Chris,
I’m glad the question stirred up your thinking! 🙂
Your logic is impeccable: “If Jesus took control of everything, it would be good according to His will.”
However, as you pointed out, that raises a lot more questions! 🙂
What would the world be like if Jesus used his power to bring
everything under his control?
The world would be populated by robots reporting for duty.
We once lived in paradise, a home created by God. A place of peace tranquility and the absence of all sin. It was a garden, a place of peace which we tended and our creator God could join us for times of sharing.
God chose to give mankind free will and by choice humankind chose to disobey God which resulted in our becoming contaminated in sin, and being separated from God.
God has not deserted mankind. In the Old Testament He spoke
through the Prophets, and today He calls out to all mankind by the power of the Holy Spirit.
John 16:8, When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.
Today, we live in a garden where Jesus is present and by the power of the Holy Spirit is calling out to all mankind, giving each full knowledge of right, wrong, the rewards of doing good and the consequences of doing wrong. God does not push Himself on His creation. Instead He has chosen to reveal the truth to all mankind, and allow each to freely choose eternity serving God or apart from God serving self.
Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
2 Corinthians 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment
seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for
the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Our Bible gives us a bleak picture of the environment of all who reject the call of Jesus Christ.
Mark 9:43, And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for
thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into
hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched.
Matthew 13:50 , And shall cast them into the furnace of fire:
there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Thank you, Ron!
Well said. I especially liked, ” …robots reporting for duty.”
God doesn’t want robots. He wants relationships.
Especially with you, me, and everyone else.