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An interesting expression: “The Word of His power.” It rolls off the tongue in somewhat of an
awkward fashion, and subconsciously we tend to read the phrase backwards to say
“The power of His Word.” Indeed, some
translations “Englishize” the verse by doing just that - translating with
phrases like “His powerful Word” or “powerful words.” However, this is a wonderful example of why
we must give careful consideration to the word order arrangement in the
original language. The Greek text
specifically says that Jesus “upholds all things by the word of His power.”
This original order places the emphasis on His Word (rather than on
His power) - the Word being that which has been spoken (rhema) by the mouth of
the Lord. The implications are quite
significant and must not be missed here. The Holy Spirit is not saying in this passage
that Jesus upholds (sustains) all things by His power, but rather that He
upholds all things by His Word. It is
Jesus’ Word that informs and directs His power.
His power is governed, commanded, activated, energized by His Word.
It is astounding that a Roman military centurion was able to grasp this
truth while the religious leaders of Jesus’ day could not. When Jesus was petitioned for the physical
healing of a Centurion’s servant, Jesus said “I will come and heal him”
(Matthew 8:5-13). But the centurion, rightly
understanding the nature of authority (being himself a man under authority),
said “Lord, I am not worthy for You to
come under my roof, but just say the
word, and my servant will be healed” (emphasis added).
This Roman military commander knew that if a healing was going to take
place that day, it would be at the command of Jesus’ Word. He recognized that the power at Jesus’ disposal was under the authority of Jesus’ Word.
Jesus responded by marveling at the
faith this man had in the authority of His Word. He said to the man “Go; as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” In other words, He simply spoke a Word of
command. And the Bible says that man’s
servant was healed at that very hour. At
the speaking of the Word, the power of God was unleashed.
The implications are immense. We
are so quick to ask God for His power, His intervention, His influence, His
control, His healing, His deliverance, His rescue, His protection, His
provision. But we must understand that
all of these things are governed, commanded, activated, energized by His Word. Jesus “upholds all things by the word of His power.” Who is seeking His Word? Who is standing “in the council of the Lord to see or to hear his word?” Who understands that “man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.” Who is willing to say “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”
In Jesus our King,
Pastor Scott
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