“…and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,” --Ephesians 1:19-20
One of my favorite television characters was a guy named J.J. He always wore a turtleneck and a funny looking blue hat. Because of his quick wit, I knew I would get a good chuckle anytime he came on the scene. But enough of that for now. I’ll get back to J.J. in a little while.
In today’s text, Paul wants us to know the power of God which is at work in our lives. And Paul’s desire is not just that we would know about the power of God. He wants us to know it experientially. He wants us to be keenly aware of God’s power as He is continually working in our lives.
The Greek word translated “power” is “dunamis”, the same root word from which we get “dynamite.” Dynamite, of course, is explosive, and the more dynamite, the more powerful the explosion. So Paul is talking about the explosive power of God.
And just what is this power? It is the same power by which God created the universe by simply saying, “Let there be…” It is the same power by which the Israelites walked on dry ground where, moments before, there had been a sea. And by which, after they walked through, the sea waters returned. It is the same power that enabled three young Hebrews to walk about in the fire, unharmed. It is the same power that enabled a young Jewish girl, who was a virgin, to give birth to the Son of God.
This is the same power that resurrected Christ Jesus from the dead. And by this power, He ascended into heaven and took His rightful place at the right hand of the Almighty. And not only that, but Romans 1:16 tells us that we are saved by the power of God. I Peter 1:5 says that we are kept, or preserved, by the power of God.
And Paul tells us here in Ephesians 1:19-20 that the power of God is continually at work in our lives. He is continually working to transform us into the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29), causing us to step from greater glory to greater glory along the way (II Cor. 3:18). God’s power is greater than any problem you may have in your life. It is greater than any demon you may have to face. It is greater than any sin you have ever committed or ever will commit. God’s power is such that, in a moment, He can take whatever terrible situation you are facing and turn it around for your good. He can take what seems to be an ordinary, dull, mundane life and turn it into something more exciting than anything you ever dreamed possible.
Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has good things in store for His people. I Corinthians 2:9 says, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” And Ephesians 1:19-20 assures us that He has the power to bring them about.
And that, to quote J.J. from the t.v. show, Good Times, is “DYN-O-MITE!”