Real Power

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. (John 1:1)

The words Jesus spoke leading to his arrest in the olive garden demonstrate God's awesome power through his words. These words were not directed towards healing or helping an individual. They were spoken words that displayed Jesus as the Son of God. When the soldiers approached Jesus, he asked them who they were looking for, and they responded Jesus of Nazareth. When Jesus replied, "I am he," the soldiers "went backwards and fell to the ground" (John 18:1-11). Peter, walking with Jesus and seeing his many miracles, witnessed the scene with the soldiers and in a moment of panic decided Jesus needed his help. Now Jesus’ words practically took the soldiers out, I'm not sure what the sword was going to do, for physical weapons are no match to God's power. Although Peter's intentions were good, his actions were incorrect. The power given to us is not physical but spiritual through the word of God: "God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon's scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God's Word. We can't get away from it no matter what" (Hebrews 4:22 TM). Jesus wasn't this weak individual powerless to man. He allowed these things to happen. He loves us so much that he gave us the same power that he refrained from using all because of his love for us. What a mighty God we serve! Aren't you glad that he decided to give up everything just so we could have a personal relationship with Him and eternal life? While Jesus was on the earth, it was His words that raised the dead, dismissed demons, healed the lame, and gave sight to the blind. And while we are in this earthly state, it is only through the word of God that we can be victorious in our life. We must use the gift God has given us by speaking the word of God into our situation, into our lives every day so that we will walk in victory. There is power in the word of God.