Focus 40 - Day 27

I Corinthians 1:24

The Power of God

^“But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”

There is something supernatural about the name of Jesus, whether it is thought or spoken. His name is personification of power, vitality, dynamics, and strength. In a word, Jesus’ name means “Mastery”.

The Apostle Paul introduces us to this idea when he ascribes to Christ the title “The Power of God” (1Cor.1:24).  The Apostle presents our Lord as the Power of God in two respects: First, as a result of Christ’s work on the Cross; Second, in contrast to all human notions of power. The essence of the idea is that to pray in Jesus’ name places us within the resources of Calvary.

A better understanding of the significance of this title is demonstrated in words used in the Greek New Testament.

    Jesus is our miracle! Our text in 1Cor. 1:24 where Paul refers to Christ as the Power of God, along with the reference to Christ as the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of Holiness by the resurrection of the dead (Rom. 1:4). The Greek word power in both of these passages is dunamis, where we get our word dynamo. The basic meaning is “extraordinary force” or “supernatural natural power”; it is also translated miracle in the New Testament. It would not be inaccurate to translate 1 Cor. 1:24 as, “Christ the Miracle of God”. Jesus is not only our power, He is also our Miracle.

    Jesus is our Mastery! Paul told the Roman believers “There is no authority (POWER) except from God. (Rom. 13:1). John adds, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right (or the POWER) to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name (John 1:12). The word translated here in the Greek is exousia. The meaning is one’s privilege or right, but extends to encompass a person’s influences or sphere of control, including his “mastery”.

    When the disciples said, “Even the wind and waves obey Him”! (Matt. 8:27) they were amazed at the fact that Christ’s realm of “mastery” extended further than they realized. Later in Luke’s gospel HE transferred that very same power to His disciples when He said “I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy”.

    Jesus is our Might! Two Greek words ischus and kratos describe the sheer strength or might of Christ’s power. Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians refers to Christ’s coming in the “glory of His power” ischus (2 Thess. 1:9). In the Old Testament the prophet Malachi asked this question, “Who can endure the day of His coming? Then in the Book of Revelation 5:13 “Blessing and honor glory and power” (kratos).  This describes the might that is so intense that nothing will be able to stand it.

    Jesus is our magnificence! Luke tells us that people who saw Christ cast out demons were amazed at the majesty (power) of God (Luke 9:43).  Here Christ is pictured in His irresistible power, a majestic magnificence that embodies His entire being.

    Saints remember that wherever you go, whatever you do, we have the capacity to be a channel for Christ’s miracle power. Whether it is a miracle of sharing our faith, or lifting up a brother that has fallen, we can watch and see each day be a miracle day.  We to can take mastery (power) of Jesus’ name into situations where satan seeks to diminish our authority. We are in control of our day because Christ dwells within us.  We are in a battle,and each day brings forth opportunities to understand this one simple thought “The battle is not yours, but God’s (2 Chron. 20:15). Finally we have the Joy of living each day saturated with Christ’s magnificence.