The Power!

"I showed them that time." "Let's see them get around that argument." "They won't be able to argue with the cleverness of this explanation." Where is the focus of each of these statements? Does it seem to be a reliance on one's own ability or wisdom? I used to ponder how if I just had all the knowledge and right responses to people's objections to the truth of Jesus and the Scriptures that I could bring them all to God. Then I remembered Jesus -- the One Who did have all understanding and even knew the thoughts of men's hearts (i.e. John 2:25) -- did not win everyone over to embrace the truth. No matter how much knowledge and skill at presentation we might possess, if hearts are hardened or they see more of us than God at work, they may not be won.

The story has been told of a William Tennat of New England who was an eloquent speaker. On one occasion he took great pains in the preparation of a sermon he planned to use to convince a renowned infidel of the truth of Christianity. As William Tennat was delivering his finely prepared lesson, he became confused to the point of being compelled to stop and close the service with prayer. However, it was this very unexpected failure to display his usual eloquence -- an ability that had often astonished this unbeliever -- that actually caused the infidel to consider that on all the other occasions Tennat must have been aided by Divine power. It was this view that actually moved the infidel to conversion. It was then noted that God accomplished by silence what Tennat had tried to do with his persuasive preaching.

Remember Paul's reminder of how he had approached the Corinthians.
"(1) And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. (2) For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (3) And I was with you in WEAKNESS and in FEAR and much TREMBLING, (4) and my speech and my message were NOT IN PLAUSIBLE WORDS OF WISDOM, BUT IN DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT AND OF POWER, (5) THAT YOUR FAITH MIGHT NOT REST IN THE WISDOM OF MEN BUT IN THE POWER OF GOD." ( 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 ESV)

Truth is truth. It cannot be made any truer. It cannot be improved. Truth has its own power. If the power is seen as mine, it is not enough. It is the POWER OF GOD AND HIS WORD that needs to be allowed to work. Where others will allow it, it will do its work. ( Isaiah 55:10-11) May we simply remain God's faithful messengers.

Have a great day WITH GOD'S LIVING AND ACTIVE WORD WORKING IN AND THROUGH US.
Carl

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