DIVINE POWER FOR IMPACT (5)

“The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S; but the earth He has given to the children of men” – Psalm 115:16

Humanity operates in the delegated dimensions of DIVINE POWER for IMPACT: “The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S; but the earth He has given to the children of men” (Psa.115:16). No one can have true positive, enduring, and God-glorifying Impact outside of the Power bestowed by His Grace! God is the Source and Supplier of all power. Absolute and Ultimate Power belongs to Him. He doesn’t depend on any outside source for power, nor does He need to acquire anything outside Himself. God can make happen anything: “But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases” (Psa.115:3).

God does not derive legitimacy from any other entity. He is whole in and of Himself. He draws no resources, power, or authority from His creatures. Without people, He would still be all powerful; hence, biblically, “Almighty” is never used to describe anyone or anything other than God! Spurgeon wrote: “The mightiest of men cannot add so much as a shadow of increased power to the Omnipotent One. He sits on no buttressed throne and leans on no assisting arm. His court is not maintained by His courtiers, nor does it borrow its splendor from His creatures. He is Himself the great central source and Originator of all power.”

The power of an earthly king comes from the willing or coerced consent of the subjects. To act, the king needs to be able to move generals, authorities, armies, and resources in a way that accomplishes his purposes. Monarchs have no ultimate power in themselves. Their power depends on the actions of their subordinates. If the people refuse to pay taxes, soldiers refuse to be fight, or police refuse to enforce the law, the power of earthly kings can diminish or be deleted abruptly!

All human power is delegated power. The limited power we possess for Impact – to move things or people into action is not ours. We have power “on loan from God.” He delegates power but never gives power away or subtract from His perfection. God cannot give any of Himself away or relinquish His Power. If He did, He’d be imperfect – less powerful than He was before! He never runs down. He still has the Unlimited Power that He had before creating the Universe! He forever possesses all power! God releases power all day, all year, and all eternity long, yet never has to recharge (Isa.40:28).

Even with such awesome power, God chose to be personal with us, inviting us to call Him “Father” (Mt.6:9). God does not use His Power as an excuse to isolate Himself from us. Instead, He invites us into Divine Intimacy. Our response should be to respect His Ultimate Power, and as faithful stewards, rightly deploy His delegated power for Impactful Service and His Glory!