“Good power, instead of an ego trip, is handled humbly and wisely for the benefit of those being served.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 27, 2023
The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power. Nahum 1:3
Power is associated with a position of influence like a PTA President, a government official, a CEO, or a pastor of a local church. Unfortunately, small-minded, insecure people in places of authority use power as a form of fear and intimidation to seek to control their self-benefiting agenda. A much healthier use of power is for those in positions of authority to serve at the pleasure of the people to which they are accountable. So, a PTA President serves the parents. A mayor serves the constituents. A CEO serves the leadership team. A pastor serves the church. Good power, instead of an ego trip, is handled humbly and wisely for the benefit of those being served.
God, who is great in power…nevertheless, is slow to anger. The Almighty, instead of instantly being enraged, is gracious to love and forgive. Charles Spurgeon majestically depicts divine power, “God’s rod of mercy is ever in his hands outstretched; his sword of justice is in its scabbard, held down by that pierced hand of love which bled for the sins of men. ‘The Lord is slow to anger’ because he is great in power. He is truly great in power who hath power over himself. When God’s power doth restrain himself, then it is power indeed: the power that binds omnipotence is omnipotence surpassed.” I love Spurgeon’s phrase, “He is truly great in power who hath power over himself.” Truth! Since the Lord, the most powerful, harnesses His great power for those He loves, so we are called to channel our influence for what’s best for everyone.
“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’” (Matthew 4:8-10).
Satan tried to tempt our Savior Jesus with power when He offered control over the kingdoms of the world… abruptly, Jesus demanded the devil to be gone and called out the evil one to worship and serve God…the only One who has all power. Be on guard against those who are persuasive with words and wealth and who see power as a weapon to gain more instead of a responsibility to give more. Unless you give away power, so others are empowered to serve and grow, you will be controlled by power’s addictive forces rather than freeing yourself and others to become the best version of themselves. Good power looks for the good in others, working toward God’s best.
An allusion to being powerful can overwhelm a life, as it lives in strife, constantly battling anger’s short fuse. In contrast is a life that abides in Christ, not consumed with having to be in control, rather resting in the Lord’s process of serving and giving to others…not feeling the need to control circumstances and people. Love frees you from power and having to be the one in charge. Yes, you may be ultimately responsible at home, work or in your community, but share your authority with others. Be available to collaborate and serve but bless others to take the lead without the need to micromanage. Good power gets healthy results while building healthy relationships. Power can be trusted with those slow to anger and generous with their influence.
“God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect” (2 Samuel 22:33).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the courage to give away power and lean into your power to strengthen my life through Christ’s love, and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What authority do I have that I need to share in collaboration and delegation?
Related Reading
Genesis 31:29; Deuteronomy 8:18; Job 24:22; Mark 12:24; Acts 26:18
Worship Resource
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir: There is Power in The Blood
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