Who Holds the Power?

~~~ Isaiah 10: 5-7, 13b-16 ~~~ Psalm 94 ~~~ Matthew 11: 25-27 ~~~

It is not often that we are given two readings that so vividly contrast in sentiment.

In the Isaiah reading God has had enough with Assyria.

He will not entertain any ridiculous power struggles.

God says I am the God here and you are not.

Stop pretending to be something you will never possess.

Instead of boasting in and of yourself; consider what I, God, can bring forth.

Whatever amount of power you may think you have God surpasses.

God does chose to give certain powers to his chosen ones...

healing, forgiveness of sins, casting out demons.

After the psalm we move from God's ability to impose his power

on whole nations

to this tender loving gospel of Matthew.

 At that time Jesus exclaimed:
"I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows the Son except the Father,
and no one knows the Father except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."

Now we are given the picture of God as the loving father.

The concept of his power has been framed as that of a gracious loving father.

How can this be the same God?

In one picture he is slaying armies like a giant and in the next

he places you in his lap.

Jesus is giving praise to the father out of love for him; not because of fear.

God does want us to love and respect him.

God does not want us to cower down in fear that his wrath will come upon us.

Should we have fear of the Lord?

Does fear of the Lord serve a purpose?

Would you rather love God and keep the commandments,

or keep the commandments because of fear?

If you want to get into a power struggle with God then you had better

be prepared to accept the consequences in fear.

On the other hand if you want to live loving God

then you must love others.

Children have the most extraordinary ability to trust those who love them.

We forget how wonderful it feels to be able to relinquish

power and place our trust in someone else...

namely God.

For many years in my teaching career I was blessed to witness how trusting

young children are with others. I think it is natural to be trusting

until you learn to be otherwise

through life experiences.

It is humanity that teaches us being childlike is a waste of time.

Every time someone breaks a trust our disbelief grows until we are wary of everyone...including God.

It is only when we can rely on God and climb into his lap that

we can ignore the whole power issue.

God alone has the power to provide what is lacking in our lives.

Let him take control of your life; you will have more peace.

We are like helpless children when we are not keeping our heart, mind,

body and soul in his presence.

He alone has the power to make all things new...

will you let him?