MIGHTY GOD
"For to us a child is born . . .
and his name shall be called . . . Mighty God . . ." ~ Isaiah 9.6
Not only is Jesus called God, but he is called the ‘Mighty God’. What a paradox that a baby in a manger should be called mighty! Yet even as a baby, Jesus Christ was the centre of power. His birth affected the heavens and caused a dazzling star to appear. The star aroused the interest of the Magi and they left their homes and made a long and perilous journey to Jerusalem. Their announcement about the new-born King unnerved Herod and his court. Jesus’ birth brought angels from heaven and simple shepherds from their flocks on the hillside. Midnight became midday as the glory of the Lord appeared to men.
The almighty power of God is available to us through Jesus Christ so that we might develop Christian character and practice Christian conduct to the glory of God. Patience, longsuffering and joy don’t come to our lives automatically; it takes spiritual power to produce this kind of godly character.
Whatever may be your burden or battle today, God has the power to meet it, handle it, solve it, and use it for your good and his glory. Jesus Christ is the “Mighty God” and his power is available to you. “Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph. 3:20). Admit your own weakness, yield to him by faith, and receive his promised power. (adapted from article in Evangelical Magazine by Warren Wiersbe t.ly/qU1cf)
Prayer
Jesus, you are Mighty God. You are have created all that exists by the power of your Word. You sustain me by your might, your grace, your love. Help me to live in your power. Help me to rest in your power. Help me to live confidently in your might. Amen.
Christ Pantocrator (fresco)
(St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Corpus Christi, Texas)
Christ Pantocrator is an iconographic theme in Eastern Church traditions depicting Christ as the Almighty God. The Greek word pantocrator means “all powerful One,” or “almighty One.” It emphasizes the deity and divine authority of Jesus and references the portrayal of Jesus in the book of Revelation ruling on His throne.
The Greek letters O W N embedded in the halo around Jesus translate to “He who is.” This is the Greek translation of the name that God gave to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3.14, translated into English as “I Am.” Again, this emphasizes the Church’s belief that Jesus of Nazareth was (and is) the eternal, incarnate God . . . the Almighty God and Ruler of heaven and earth.
The Greek letters IS and XS to the left and right of Jesus are the first and last letters of the Greek words “Iesus Xristos” (Jesus Christ).
Jesus holds the New Testament in His left hand with the pages open to John 6.51, a passage that states, “I am the living bread having descended from heaven, if anyone eats of this bread, he will live in eternity.” Jesus’ right hand is posed signifying that He is giving a blessing or teaching an important truth.
It is this Almighty One that is the life-giving bread (reminiscent of the manna from heaven) that has come to bring life to all of His creation. In His first coming, He came to bring life. In His second coming, He will come to rule.
Does the power of God scare you? Encourage you? Is it daunting to think that there is an omnipotent (all powerful) God that loves you and wants to bring you life; who wants to rule in your heart?
Reflect on the idea that there is nothing God can’t do (Matthew 19.26). There’s nothing too big for God. There is nothing outside of His control.
(Christ Pantocrator at unknown church dome)
Christ Pantocrator (fresco)
(St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Corpus Christi, Texas)
Christ Pantocrator is an iconographic theme in Eastern Church traditions depicting Christ as the Almighty God. The Greek word pantocrator means “all powerful One,” or “almighty One.” It emphasizes the deity and divine authority of Jesus and references the portrayal of Jesus in the book of Revelation ruling on His throne.
The Greek letters O W N embedded in the halo around Jesus translate to “He who is.” This is the Greek translation of the name that God gave to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3.14, translated into English as “I Am.” Again, this emphasizes the Church’s belief that Jesus of Nazareth was (and is) the eternal, incarnate God . . . the Almighty God and Ruler of heaven and earth.
The Greek letters IS and XS to the left and right of Jesus are the first and last letters of the Greek words “Iesus Xristos” (Jesus Christ).
Jesus holds the New Testament in His left hand with the pages open to John 6.51, a passage that states, “I am the living bread having descended from heaven, if anyone eats of this bread, he will live in eternity.” Jesus’ right hand is posed signifying that He is giving a blessing or teaching an important truth.
It is this Almighty One that is the life-giving bread (reminiscent of the manna from heaven) that has come to bring life to all of His creation. In His first coming, He came to bring life. In His second coming, He will come to rule.
Does the power of God scare you? Encourage you? Is it daunting to think that there is an omnipotent (all powerful) God that loves you and wants to bring you life; who wants to rule in your heart?
Reflect on the idea that there is nothing God can’t do (Matthew 19.26). There’s nothing too big for God. There is nothing outside of His control.
(Christ Pantocrator, unknown church)
Playlist Daily Highlight
Take the time to listen . . . really listen to the words of this song. Reflect on them. Let God’s spirit speak to you in this moment.
