Much emphasis is put on power and who has the most of it. Super heroes with super powers are all the rage in TV shows and kids’ movies. Today our country is in a political power struggle like we have never seen before. One side is calling for violence while others fight to keep the peace. From what we read and see on news channels and social media our country is in constant turmoil. Maybe it’s time to look at the bigger picture and consider the One who has the most power. God is not called ‘Almighty’ for no reason.
When Jesus walked among man, there were those on every side opposing every thing He said or did….all because they saw Him as a threat to the power they had to control the people. Jesus taught that His truth would set men free from the law. Those who came to the Father through Him would learn to live by God’s laws, not man’s. This supposedly new concept was so foreign to those that refused to believe it that they wanted it done away with entirely. Who exactly, they asked, did this man, Jesus, think He was anyway? He could not just come to town and insist that there was no longer a need for laws.
As for the religious leaders of the time, they felt the same way. Who was this man to think He could call Himself God? They taught about God themselves; they had all the answers; why was there a need for any such new concept? Free from the law, how ridiculous! In order to prove this man wrong, and to show the people that He was not sent by God….but mostly to protect their need for power…. the lawmakers, scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees all fought to keep the people from hearing the good news Jesus and His followers were even more determined to share. They followed Him everywhere He went, asking questions and trying to catch Him breaking one of their laws so they could have Him arrested and put to death.
They succeeded in their efforts to kill Him, but never imagined the impact His short time on earth had made on the people who chose to believe Him…. and the lives of many in generations to come. When we speak of power there is no match for the power that comes through the mere mention of the name, Jesus Christ.
Today in our government, the Democrats and Republicans fight for the power to control both the House and the Senate. This is an important fight and hopefully the best side will win, if we, the people, cast our votes wisely. As we witnessed recently, while these same political teams battled to select or destroy a man named Kavanaugh, other units of our government followed business as usual and was not disturbed by the uproar.
While the leaders then fought to stop Him, Jesus and His disciples also went about their business of spreading the message that God saves. Nothing they said or done, could stop the plan God had for His message to be heard. The same is true today. All the plans man might make to change the order of God’s plan for us will fail. As fighting and chaos continues to surround us, inside, under His wings of protection, we will fear no evil. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.
While many feel that Christians should stay out of politics, I think we all have a responsibility, as citizens, to vote and elect people who will make and uphold laws and decisions that are in the best interest of all and most inline with the teachings of Christ. It is a scary time for many in today’s world. So many are suffering and hurting, in need of God’s message of love and forgiveness. Let us not look only at the uproar and disruptions all around us, but let us stay busy conducting His business as usual and rejoice with those who choose to accept His offer of salvation. We know who is behind the evil and in charge of the good. We will do well to remember:
Romans 12: 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
Romans 13: 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
The Struggle for Power
