Who is in Power? ...

Thursday, June 18, 2015. Who is in power. Power issues are very important for us humans. Where ever you look you find powerful people. Power struggle has been one of the driving forces of history. And even in democracies power is an important thing - and many try to gain some power at least.

Kings, be wise! …

The biblical books do not leave one ounce of doubt that God is in power. He is the ultimate power of the universe. His justice cannot be cheated. It is good to fully understand the far reaching statements which are made both in the Old and New Testament. Psalm 2, for example, clearly confirms the power of the Lord:

1 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 3 “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.” 4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6

“I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. 8 Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” 10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. 12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 2)

The king which he announces to install on mount Zion refers to Jesus. With his death and resurrection the New Testament describes that he takes his role as the king of heaven, as the lamb which is worthy to take all power and praise.

Good to have Jesus, the Lamb, the Son, the King …

There are these old images for Jesus. He is the son of God. He is the lamb, which was slain to demonstrate the sin of the world. He has been installed into this role on the mount Zion. He owns it all, all is given to him.

There is no other king who would be worthy of all might and all power. We all fail. We all are not as holy as we need to be. But there is one, who is worthy of all this. You might find it surprising or astonishing. It is true.

The psalm also issues a sincere warning. We cannot ignore this - and it is repeated by Jesus himself in the New Testament. There is salvation, there is forgiveness, there is hope: in him. If you want to stay away, that is possible, but it will not turn out to be a good choice. If you come to him, unbelievable blessings will be your reward. And you will find a wonderful humility and friendship which is beyond your wildest dreams of “pure life”! (RWEP) ... more texts