God’s Power in Creation, a Cradle, and the Cross

 

An intense, powerful storm passed through our area. Lightning flashed like strobe lights, pounding thunder shook windows, sheets of rain poured from the angry sky. Lights flickered. Would we lose power in the midst of the storm’s power?

Even when things looked bleakest, we clung to the true power—the most powerful God.

What do we know of God’s power?

The Bible teaches us about God’s power, a cradle, and the cross.

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. 1 Chronicles 29:11

God spoke creation into existence.

When we stand in awe of mountains, see the awakening of spring after a brutal winter, or hold a newborn baby, we witness this creative power.

Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17

Psalm 8:3-5 praises God for creation and identifies the unique place of each of us in His heart.

Unfortunately, sin marred our relationship with the Creator, separating us from Him. God had a redemptive plan to bring us back to Him, although we don’t deserve it.

We are powerless to save ourselves.

The true power of God is shown in our redemption through the cradle and the cross.

At the appointed time in history, God sent Jesus, born in a manger. The child in the cradle would provide our salvation from sin and death, restoring our relationship with God.

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Galatians 4:4-5

When Jesus faced the last week of His life, He walked through each event with power—the day of hosannas, overturning the temple tables, the last supper with the disciples, praying in the garden, the unfair arrest, and trial.

Even when it looked like Jesus was powerless—dying on the cross—He was fulfilling the redemption plan for all of us.

The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.          John 10:17-18

The power of grace is displayed in the resurrection.

The impact of the power of grace shook the world with Jesus’ resurrection. Redemption from sin, forgiveness, restoration with God, hope in the midst of despair and triumph over death continue to influence lives every day. All because of God’s power to save us and His redeeming love.

 …and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 1:4

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3b

The power of the cross broke through the darkest moment in history. The resurrection brought hope, restoration, and forgiveness—a true display of God’s power.

This amazing power continues to reach us today. The hardened heart can be transformed to reflect the love of God. Only God can bring about the miracle of a redeemed heart.

Do you know the power of cross?