August 21
August 21
Your Lord has the power to do whatever he has purposed to do.
What is your understanding of the power of God? Do you ever find yourself doubting what he is able to do? Do you ever wonder about his ability to deliver what he has promised? Do you ever question his power or authority over the world he has made? Do you think of him as sitting on his holy throne, reigning with power that not only is beyond our ability to grasp but is without boundaries? How big is your God?
At the end of the book of Jeremiah God announces that he is going to destroy Babylon. This is a big boast. Babylon is the ruling nation of the world. No power on earth is like the power of this nation. Babylon rules with nation-crushing might. It seems as though Babylon can do anything it wants to do. So it is significant that God announces that he is going to raise up instruments to crush mighty Babylon forever. What power must God have to say that he will forever end the mighty reign of Babylon?
God uses the occasion of his judgment of Babylon for self-revelation, not only to the people alive at that time but to us as well. Throughout the Old Testament God shows himself. He doesn’t hide in the heavens. He doesn’t close himself off from the creatures he has made. As you read through the Old Testament, it becomes clear that God wants to be known. So as God announces his judgment on Babylon, he assures us—lest we doubt or forget—that he has the power to do whatever he chooses to do with whomever he chooses to do it. Who is this one who has pronounced judgment against Babylon?
It is he who made the earth by his power,
who established the world by his wisdom,
and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.
When he utters his voice there is a tumult of waters in the heavens,
and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth.
He makes lightning for the rain,
and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
Every man is stupid and without knowledge;
every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols,
for his images are false,
and there is no breath in them.
They are worthless, a work of delusion;
at the time of their punishment they shall perish.
Not like these is he who is the portion of Jacob,
for he is the one who formed all things,
and Israel is the tribe of his inheritance;
the Lord of hosts is his name. (Jer. 51:15–19)
The judgment of Babylon is not difficult for one of such incomparable power. Whether it is the power to judge sin or the power to breathe life into those who are spiritually dead, granting them forgiveness forever, God has the power to do whatever he announces or promises he will do.
Don’t let your heart doubt his power. His power, coupled with his grace, is your hope.