This is a phrase shouted all over the world. In the early 70’s, it was chanted by women’s libbers. They were seeking equality. Labor leaders routinely use the phrase in speeches to emphasize the importance of collective bargaining. For example, executives within major unions like the AFL-CIO use the phrase to rally working families. Those in politics use it often to rally followers to get busy and elect them. In pop culture, the phrase is a nostalgic staple for fans of the Masters of the Universe. All of the above are declarations of power, yet the amount of power to change things is very limited. However, as Christians, we have a power that is controlled by the one who has all power.
In Exodus 9:16, God speaks to Pharaoh and tells him, “And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” God allowed him the power to rule and deny the Israelites freedom so that all the world would hear and see how their God would free them from Egyptian slavery. God demonstrated His power through the plagues and parting of the Red Sea. This was evidence, then and now, of God’s power over the universe He created. His power gave the Israelites the power to be free from bondage to the Egyptians.
Jesus has all power as creator. John 1:3 teaches us that He made everything. Matthew 28:18 confirms His power over heaven and earth. Jesus has the power to forgive sins and heal sickness in Matthew 9:6. In Luke 12:5, He has the power to cast us into hell for all eternity. In Mark 3:15, he has the power to cast out demons. Yet the greatest power that He holds for us is the power to save us from our sins, giving us eternal life in heaven with Him.
John 1:3 “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”
Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
Matthew 9:6 “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.”
Luke 12:5 “But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.”
Mark 3:15 “And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:
Once Jesus saves us from our sins, He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. This gives us the power to overcome the temptations that Satan places in our lives. We have freedom from sin and its power. In Romans 1:16, Paul reminds us that the gospel, which means good news, is the power of God for salvation. The gospel is power! We can live with the knowledge and power of His might as it speaks of in Ephesians 6:10.
Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
In Luke 24:40, we are “endued” with power from on high. The Greek word used for “endued” here is enduo, which literally means to be “clothed,” “dressed,” or “wrapped entirely” in something. Jesus told His disciples not to rush out to preach on their own strength; they needed to wait to be completely clothed in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 24:49 “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”
His power is not limited in Ephesians 3:16; it is according to His riches. Wow! His riches can never be exhausted; did you get that? NEVER, there is enough and plenty left over for every need. We are powerfully strengthened. It is abundant strength to overcome the trials of this life. He gives us this power every day. He supplies grace to the soul as needed. We have the power to bear trials, resist temptation, to do His will in witnessing, and to continue to live a life of faith.
Ephesians 3:16 “that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”
His last command to us is in Matthew 28:18-20. He gives us a command, not a suggestion, that we should witness to others about Him. This is the chief duty that He left for us, and it comes with power!
Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
What are you doing with the power that God has given to all those who have accepted His Son as their Savior? If you feel you do not have the power to obey, maybe you have never truly surrendered. If you are a Christian, it should weigh heavily on your heart that multitudes are lost and without Christ, and they will spend eternity in Hell. If you are not broken over lost souls, you need a heart check-up with God today.
