Power

Power
by Pete Berardi

When one thinks of the word power, many definitions can come to mind. Physical power makes objects move, allows us to communicate, and provides us with many of life’s conveniences. Political power is held by men and women in “high places” and allows them to make laws and change the course of a nation. People on this earth seek power in their personal relationships, in their job, and in some cases in their own lives. Power, in a nutshell, gives people control over one thing or another no matter how big or small.

But is this really power? The word power occurs almost 300 times in the whole Bible. It is outside the scope of this article to speak of every verse. However, by looking at what Jesus said about power, we can obtain great insight into what power really is. Throughout each of the gospels Jesus uses the word power only five times. This author will use the book of Matthew to examine the word power and how it was used in the words and teachings of Jesus.

One of the first mentions of power is being able to forgive sins.

Matthew 10: 9 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

The next instance of the word power describes it as being able to heal.

Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

In three other verses Jesus speaks of the power of God. He refers to God as having power and actually being power. Also, when he was resurrected, he spoke of being given all power in heaven and in earth.

My point is this. People here on earth have lost the idea of what the use of power should be. Although Jesus had all the power of God, he did not use it for selfish means. He used it to forgive sins and to heal. As I think about it, was there any other reason for Jesus to be here? That is what Jesus did, he forgave sins and healed people of their diseases. In my opinion, this is what true power is. We, as children of God, have the power to indirectly do both. By bringing the truth to all men by preaching gospel, men can be healed and their sins can be forgiven. There is no higher purpose and no better use of power.