Dear Ones:
The subject of “power” in the Scriptures is quite a study, and one that can be very useful in the matter of faith. We must first define power as that gift of strength in the spirit, soul, and body, of the believer, enabling him to victoriously face the challenges of life, whether they monumental or minute. But we must keep in mind that this “power from on High” is a holy gift, and thus, it is given to those of a right attitude of mind and heart. You will remember Moses, when he was instructed to speak to the rock in the wilderness, in order to get water for the people of Israel. He struck the rock instead. He abused his power by not exercising it in a manner that would glorify God. God was not treated as holy in the eyes of the people. And so, it is the same for us concerning this power from on High by the Spirit. It is given to those who will use it well, and for the glory of God, according to the will of God.
In Ezekiel 37, we find a picture of what God was going to do to restore Israel to the land after the deportation, and her captivity. God spoke to Ezekiel, and told him to speak to very dry bones in a valley full of bones, and to the wind. The picture is of a nation that is devoid of life, one in which their attitude was: “Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.” (v. 11). The nation had lost hope, and bordered on the point of believing that they were separated from God. It is at this point that Ezekiel was ordered to prophesy according to the design and purpose of God. Thus, he speaks to bones and to the wind. Immediately, even while he was speaking, the bones begin to rattle, and the wind comes to put life into the lifeless bodies. “Then they stood…an exceeding great army.” This is the picture of power…power by God for the glory of God, and directed by God. He found in Ezekiel a man who would believe Him and obey him.
When we come to the Gospel of Mark, chapter 11, the Lord Jesus tells us, “…Whosoever shall SAY unto this mountain, ‘Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea;’ and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” (v.23) Is the Lord Jesus not saying the same thing to us as he did to Ezekiel, in the face of mountains? We might say that we are not prophets like Ezekiel, and yet, this passage is addressed to ALL believers. The day of Pentecost was not characterized by the Apostles alone being filled with the Spirit, and prophesying. ALL prophesied, and declared the wonderful works of God. We are all called upon to seek the Lord for that which He wants to do, and then pray accordingly…even directing our prayer at bones and mountains.
“Therefore, I say unto you, ‘What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (v.24)
So, today, let us with clean hands and a pure heart, trust the Father to give us the desires of His heart, the convictions of the Spirit, and the knowledge of His will. And, let us pray in faith, even addressing the mountains and dry bones of impossibility, to see what He will do for His glory.
Love, Dad