On Monday, we considered that part of what we mean when we say God is powerful is that, as Alpha and Omega, as the Sovereign over all things seen and unseen, what God wills is ultimately what will be.
We’ve all seen that God gets what He wants not by “getting” at all, but by creating. And when Creation works against Him, He serves, loves, pours out, humbles Himself, gives up His life. That is how God is creating the shalom He intends, the shalom He will achieve.
Earlier this spring, we spent a few weeks in the book of Revelation, written in the confusing apocalyptic (“unveiling” or “revealing”) genre to declare that the Lamb will go against the evil powers of the world and, though appearing to be defeated, will prevail.
The Good News declares with certainty that God’s way of being powerful will ultimately defeat the world’s way of being powerful—and in fact, has already won. It is love and compassion, service and humility that will have the final word, not violence or overpowering. It is the meek who will inherit, not the arrogant.
It’s almost unbelievable, isn’t it? And yet, this is the Christian story. This is the God we know in Jesus. And this is the path we have committed to follow as Christians.
Let’s look at a few of these verses again.
“Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.”
Revelation 5:6a
This Lamb alone among all creatures by the throne will be declared worthy, for:
“…you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”
Revelation 5:9b-10
And finally, after the evils of this world’s powers are “unveiled” something new is “revealed”: a city coming down to earth from heaven. As this happens, a voice from the throne says:
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:3b-4
Hallelujah! Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- How would you explain the phrase “God is powerful”?
- How has you understanding of God’s power changed during this week?
- Why do you think it is so hard for us to realize that God’s way of being powerful is opposite the world’s way? Which way will you choose?
Church Reading Plan:
- Today, June 14: Isaiah 46; Revelation 16
- Saturday, June 15: Isaiah 47; Revelation 17
- Sunday, June 16: Isaiah 48; Revelation 18