True Power
True Power
The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:19
The concept of power is fundamentally about influence - the ability to act or control events and people. When we reflect on what true power looks like, we must turn our gaze beyond the bounds of human ambition and material strength to the spiritual reality that governs all creation. Psalm 103:19 serves as a powerful reminder. In it, we find the essence of true power, which is held not by human institutions, but solely by God.
In our world, power often appears concentrated in the hand of political leaders, economic moguls, technological innovators, or something else. This perception can deceive people into thinking that earthly power is all-encompassing. However, in reality, human power is minuscule, as it is fleeting and limited. God is the ultimate power holder.
Power belongs to God. Psalm 62:11. Beyond mere definitions, it is crucial to recognize that God’s power is absolute and external, encompassing the very fabric of existence.
When we examine His divine nature versus earthly power several key differences emerge.
Source: God is the ultimate Creator, the origin of all things, while earthly power comes from created entities and is dependent on them. Scope: God’s omnipotence extends beyond all limitations. He is omniscient (knowing all things) and omnipresent (present everywhere). Earthly powers, by contrast, are constrained by their circumstances, knowledge, and geographic presence. Nature: The divine essence of God’s power is holy and rooted in love, whereas human power often leans towards self-interest and can easily become corrupt. Durability: While human power can disappear with a single crisis, God’s power remains invincible and purposeful across the ages.
Even examining God versus the devil, shows us how minuscule the evil one’s power really is. Origin: God is the Creator, while the devil is a creature that was created. Location: God is everywhere (omnipresent), while the devil is limited to one place at one time. Duration: God is eternal; the devil’s power has a fixed deadline (Revelation 20). Reliance: God does not need to rely on anyone or anything, while the devil has to rely on his followers to do his work.
Throughout scripture, we find numerous examples that highlight the magnitude of God’s power. Creation and preservation, an unparalleled act of creating the universe as noted in Jeremiah 32:17. The resurrection of Jesus stands as the pinnacle of divine power as stated in Ephesians 1:19-20. Miracles such as parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14) serve as testaments to God’s authority over the natural world. The nature of God’s power shows its supremacy over all forces of evil, including the devil, whose power is always limited and temporary. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:20
Earthly power can be alluring. Wealth, military strength, political influence, and technological advances are often mistaken as the ultimate forms of power. Yet, these constructs are fragile. Wealth can disappear, armies can fall, technology cannot overcome death, and even the devil himself will fall once and for all as prophesied in Revelation 20:10.
In contrast, God’s power eclipses all forms of earthly might. While the devil has a limited realm of influence he is not God’s equal, nor is he even close to being near His level of power. Rather, he is a temporary adversary, one whose ultimate defeat has been assured through Christ’s death and resurrection.
Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12