Our God is Powerful - 12 September 2006

“The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”” Luke 8:24-25.

 

On holiday recently we spent some time on a surfing beach in Cornwall. It was a reminder of the power of the forces of nature; waves that could bowl you over, currents that you struggled to walk against. This is only small scale compared to the power unleashed in a hurricane for example – remember the damage caused to New Orleans by hurricane Katrina just over a year ago. Despite the power of the forces contained in the world, God’s power is greater. It’s hard to imagine perhaps; but it’s true. In a storm on Lake Galilee, large enough to frighten disciples who were experienced fishermen; Jesus shows his power, rapidly calming the wind and the sea.

 

Our God is all powerful. There is nothing that he cannot do. He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross. He defeated the armies of Assyria to save Jerusalem, slaying 185,000 troops in one night. He defeated death, the ultimate victory; and He is on our side, and by our side.

 

Today, remind ourselves that Jesus is not a shy, timid, compromising God. He is the Lion of Judah. Remember the power of God when we pray; pray in expectation that God will act in power, beyond what we might humanly imagine, and don’t then be surprised when the power of God’s Kingdom is seen in action.