Who Possesses the Greatest Power?

Yesterday two of the most powerful men in the world met for a summit in San Francisco. Joe Biden, the U.S. President, and Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader.

While the leaders of both world powers emphasized the need for mutual respect and understanding, most pundits feel the talks will produce little that is substantive.

There is among many observers a growing concern about China’s emergence as a major global power rivaling the United States. And how they are going to wield that power.

Power.

Leaders lust for it. People are impressed by it. Others are dominated by it. Military might. Political position. Economic Status. Physical strength. All are symbols of power. And some people are obsessed with power. They will do anything to get it. Everything to hold on to it. And are in denial when they are unable to exercise it.

The power in Jesus’ day resided in Rome. Everyone knew it. Their empirical rule reached across the known world. The power was evident in their army. Their outposts of culture. Their massive building programs. Their roads. And, of course, their ruler. He was Pontifex Maximus.

The Jews in Jesus’ day had little power. They were subjugated by Rome and their rulers. When the Sanhedrin Court found Jesus guilty of treason, they had no power to sentence Him. Or to execute Him.

So when Jesus was brought to the Roman Governor, Pilate, it seemed strange to him that Jesus did not respond to his interrogation. After all, Pilate possessed the power of life and death by a simple stroke of his pen. He reminded Jesus, “Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”

Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above.”

The Bible records how Rome unleashed its power on this “helpless” Galilean. Pilate signed the decree of death. The armored soldiers with spear and sword led him away to his execution. Rome’s power inflicted a merciless beating. Mocking. Ridicule.. And finally Jesus was nailed to the wooden cross He was forced to carry.

Power. Rome displayed it. However, as history records, He who was “helpless” arose from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:11). Rome’s power was negated. Death’s power was overcome. The tomb’s power couldn’t hold him. And so Paul proclaimed that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”

Jesus’ blood shed by Pilate’s decree became a powerful cleansing agent to wash away the sins of the world (Heb 9:12). Even those who crucified Him! (Acts 2:36-42).

Ironically, the massive Roman empire fell. Its Kingdom is no longer. Its influence limited to history. Its power finished. Yet, the Kingdom established by the One they killed lives on. It continues to flourish. Its influence stretches around the world.

And the power of Christ’s Kingdom? It’s demonstrated in the cross. Proclaimed through the Gospel. Evidenced in changed lives. And one day will be consummated in our own bodily resurrection. Our own powerful victory over the Ruler of darkness, death and sin.

Our world is worried about those who wield power in China, Russia, or in Israel. With the 2024 election heating up, many are concerned about who will be the next President and who’s elected to Congress. The power brokers on Wall Street are watching these events very closely and responding based on their perception of our strength politically and economically.

To those who have been called by the Gospel message, “Christ (is) the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1Cor 1:24). He has delivered us from “the power of darkness”. We’re strong “in the power of His might.” And we are “complete in Christ, who is the head of all principality and power.” (Col. 1:11,13; 2:10).

In the midst of national and international unrest, wars, and the concern for another world war, we who belong to the risen Savior need to remember we’re “protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Pet. 1:5).

Furthermore, the kingdoms of men rise and fall. History reminds us of that fact. But the Kingdom of God will never be destroyed. It will remain standing when all others have fallen (Dan. 2:44).

We need to worry less about national, political, and economic power, and rely on Him who is all powerful. He knows our needs. Hears our cry. And is able to answer, help, and sustain us.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:20-21).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman