The Attributes of God: The Power of God
When we think about the power of God, what immediately comes to mind is the fact that God is omnipotent (all-powerful). But we can't just point to that word and move on. God's power is manifested in and is an integral part of all of his other attributes. His omnipotence gives Him the ability to bring about whatever He wills. His wisdom and knowledge can be put into action through the power He possesses without approval or assistance from anyone or anything else.
Without power God's mercy would be viewed as just showing pity. His promises, His law and counsel would just be empty words or recommendations. God's power is like Himself. It is infinite: without restrictions or limitations. It is eternal: it doesn't get weaker over time or space. It is incomprehensible: we can't fathom how mighty this power is. God's power can't be checked, restrained, or altered.
When God became flesh, He possessed unmatched power. He was able to say to the leper, "I am willing, be made clean" and immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (Matt 8:3). To the one who laid in the grave for 4 days, He cried out, "Lazarus, come forth," and the dead came forth. The raging storm and winds were calmed by a single word from Him, and a thousand demons could not resist His authoritative command to come out of the man named Legion.
God's power is not acquired and it doesn't depend on any other authority. It belongs to Him inherently, to be used as He wills for His purposes.
Charles H. Spurgeon wrote, "God's power is like Himself, self-existent and self-sustained. He is Himself the great central source and Originator of all power." Power is also used as a name of God, "the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power" (Mark 14:62), meaning, at the right hand of God.
We witness a part of God's power as displayed in creation. If you've been close to a lightning strike, you see, hear and feel this great power, but it is just a little tiny bit of His power. We also see this power in tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes. All of creation was spoken into existence by Almighty God. He didn't need tools or materials.
We also see God's power in preservation. No creature has the ability or power to preserve itself. Both man and beast would perish if God didn't sustain us and provide all that we need to survive. "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word" (Hebrews 1:3). He sustains all things, from the vast universe, to all of nature on earth, even to the depths of the sea, and even down to every atom in our body.
God's power is also manifested in government. Beginning with Satan, God restrains him from carrying out his desires towards believers. "Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour" (1Pet 5:8). In the same way God restrains the natural corruption of man, including government officials and all who rule over us.
We also see God's power in judgment. God opened the windows of heaven and broke up the great fountains of the deep, as He swept away the entire human race except for 8. A shower of fire and brimstone from heaven to exterminate the cities of the plain and Pharaoh along with all of his army was destroyed in the Red Sea. These are examples of what is to come in the final judgment.
We can never fully comprehend the unmatched power of an omnipotent, Almighty, God. We can so easily underestimate the power that He possesses. But we can be grateful that He also possesses a love and holiness that controls this power perfectly!
Pastor Bryan