The Bible Echo, vol. 8

July 1, 1893

“The Power Given to God’s People” The Bible Echo 8, 13.

E. J. Waggoner

What greater encouragement can GOD give us than this, namely, that the power that works in us that which is well-pleasing in the sight of the Lord, is the power that made the heavens and the earth, and which upholds them! Need there be any discourage it? To carry out this thought, as set forth in the Scriptures, would require a volume; but we will read a few texts that will set us on the track of contemplating GOD’S power in creation, and rejoicing in it. BEST July 1, 1893, par. 1

The psalmist says: “GOD hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto GOD. Also unto Thee, O LORD, belongeth mercy.” Psalm 62:11, 12. Here we see the mercy of GOD coupled with his power. Now read through the whole of the fortieth chapter of Isaiah, and as you read the description of GOD’S wonderful power, bear in mind the first verse: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your GOD.” And then at the close read: “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall; but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” By what power?-By the power that created the earth from nothing, and which preserves it. What is the comfort of GOD’S people?-It is the knowledge that there GOD is mighty in power, even to creating and upholding the universe. BEST July 1, 1893, par. 2

Read also Colossians 1:9-18, and note how redemption and the creation of all the universe are linked together. We have redemption through the blood of CHRIST, because “ by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him, and for Him; and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church.” Surely the church ought to be strong, when it is connected with so powerful ahead. It is only as men to unbelief become disconnected with the head, that they are weak. BEST July 1, 1893, par. 3

Verse 11, of the passage referred to, reads thus: “Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.” In the revision this is more literally rendered thus: “Strengthened [margin, made powerful] with all power, according to the might of his glory.” Now read Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.” That is, the heavens declare the power of the glory of GOD, by which we are strengthened in the conflict with sin and Satan. BEST July 1, 1893, par. 4

Now turn to Psalm 111:2-4, and read: “The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious; and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.” Yes, the LORD is gracious and compassionate according to the power exhibited in the works of his hands. “He that trusteth in the LORD, and mercy shall compass him about.” And that mercy is equal to the power that made the heavens and the earth. Yea, it is that power; for GOD Himself, the mighty GOD, is love. BEST July 1, 1893, par. 5

But what shall we say more? Time would fail us to recount the power and the mercy of GOD. When we meditate on the law of GOD, as we are exhorted to do day and night, and find therein such wondrous things that are sold faints at the thought that all that righteousness must be exhibited in our lives, let us also lift up our eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath, and then with rejoicing say: “Our help is in the name of LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8. Yea, let all who suffer according to the will of GOD, “commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” 1 Peter 4:19. Remember that He knew upholds all things by the word of his power, is “able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy.” Jude 24. BEST July 1, 1893, par. 6

“Beneath his watchful eye
His saints securely dwell;
That hand which bears all nature up
Shall guard his children well.” BEST July 1, 1893, par. 7

“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20, 21. Surely, happy is that people, whose GOD is JEHOVAH.” BEST July 1, 1893, par. 8