Monday, January 24, 2011

Matt 6:13

"And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." Matt 6:13

When I was a child, there was a series on TV based on the Superman comic books. The show began with a description of Superman's powers and one line said, "More powerful than a locomotive." This was supposed to be impressive. But the imagination of a child cannot match the reality of God.

We find it hard to even imagine the power of God. This is because we are limited creatures trying to understand an infinite creator. It boggles the mind. Which, of course, is what we should expect to happen. A friend of mine often said, "I wouldn't want to serve a God that I could understand." What he means is that, if we were capable of understanding God, then He would be no greater than us. That is hardly a very powerful God.

I like the construction of this verse. Jesus simply says, "Yours is the power." It's as if all other power, hardly deserves the name. It also tells us very clearly where real power resides. Even the power I believe I have in this life depends on God. We think the power of the atom is mighty, but what about God who made the atom and who is holding the atom together. In Colossians 1.17 Paul tells us that "by Him all things consist." The Greek word for "consist"
literally means, "held together." In other words, everything would just blow apart if God withheld his power. Now, that is power. So, Our Father in Heaven has at his right hand infinite power. How does a loving parent use the power he or she has available? That parent uses it to guide, nurture, and shower gifts on his or her child. Right? Do you think our heavenly father is any different.

So, we know that God is a loving father. We also know that he has all power in heaven and in earth. Given those two facts, why do we worry about what we need. God wants to provide our needs and he has the power to do so. What more needs to be said? Amen.

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