Wednesday, May 25, 2022

            We can easily find many passages in the Bible that speak to the power and strength of God.  And likely, we can find many personal testimonies from people who have experienced divine strength in times of loss, challenge or sorrow.  Near the end of Isaiah, we find a compelling statement about the power of God.  We read, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool.  Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?’ declares the Lord.”  Just consider the imagery for a moment...heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool.  That image evokes a sense of awe and wonder from mere mortals like you and me.  We are talking about might and power beyond anything the earth could ever produce.   
            The universe is plainly visible to the Lord.  Nothing escapes His attention, vision or understanding.  The Psalms remind us that the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (Psalm 24:1a).  No one else can make such a claim.  In the aftermath of the horrible school shooting in the Texas community of Uvalde, we may need to remember that God still has a throne and is still on that throne.  We often need reassurance of God’s power and majesty in times of trouble and strife.  In an ever-changing and violent world, we rest ourselves under the hand of God and take our shelter there.   
            God is the maker of heaven and earth and all that exists.  His hand is mighty to create and mighty to reign.  In His hand rests the power of the universe.  When our world begins to shake, totter and teeter, we come back to the reality that God is on the throne.  Near the end of Job’s story, we find some powerful verses that show us the strength and abilities of God.  The Lord spoke to Job and asked, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.  Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?” (Job 38:4-5).  Because God has made the earth and marked off the universe’s dimensions, He is best able to manage and govern it.  And He has not abandoned the world or the affairs of the world. 
            Indeed, the heavens declare the glory of the Lord.  Job himself came to realize in the final chapter of his book that God is beyond comparison or equal.  The mind of man can never fully understand the ways and workings of the Almighty.  Job confessed, “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2).  We can calm and still ourselves with the assurance that God continues to work out His plans in the world and in us.  He will bring history to conclusion in a manner and time of His choosing.  We trust in the truth of Scripture that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above and beyond all that we could ever ask or imagine.
            As we acknowledge and honor the transcendence and power of God today, we also take a moment to recall His presence with us and His humble coming in the form of His Son Jesus.  He came to save and call us to His love and grace.  And by His Holy Spirit, He is the God who lives and dwells in us.  We are blessed by His presence and company every moment of every day. Rest today in the awesome power and strength of God and enjoy His ability to keep whatever you may entrust to Him.  Pray for the people of Uvalde, Texas and the Robb Elementary School family.  May God grant them peace and grace today.  And may your day be lived with the Lord!