Power

Power exists in three realms, namely, in heaven, on earth and under the earth.  We are told that God had highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:9-11).

In heaven, power belongs to God and He rules forever by His power (Ps 62:11; 66:7).  By the power of His word, God created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1).  This is the creative power of God which brings order out of chaos.  By the creative power of the Holy Spirit, Mary was conceived with the holy seed of heaven (Lk 1:35).  We also see this in the ministry of Jesus when he went about healing those who were sick and oppressed by the devil.  He brought wholeness to physical and emotional constitution and restored relationships.  The creative power of God reverses the works of the devil (1 Jn 3:8). 

In hell (or figuratively under the earth), there are principalities and powers which were created by God (Col 1:16).  These are fallen angels who have rebelled against God and followed Lucifer, a former arch-angel in charge of heavenly worship. These demonic hordes are bent on stealing, killing and destroying (Jn 10:10a), or what is known as displaying destructive powers.   They rob people of their wealth and health (like Job), and also seek to turn people away from Christ.  The devil sought to destroy the Jewish nation during the times of Queen Esther and King Herod, to forestall the birth of the Messiah. 

On earth, there are various hierarchies of powers from the political level (government-governed) to the family unit (parents-children).  It behooves those in authority to exercise their power wisely and not use it to take advantage of the weak and downtrodden.  When power gets to one's head, often times we can see it being abused resulting in disastrous consequences.  Even in religious organisations, power can be abused as in the case of Rev Jim Jones of the Peoples Temple in Jonestone, Guyana who brought about a mass killing through cyanide-laced holy communion.  Charismatic personalities can often hold people under their power and charm.  There is always a need to seek spiritual discernment to see whether an intention or action is of God or not.  Mankind, no matter how good they may be, is always subject to the influences of evil in this world.  Peter at one point in his life was confessing Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of the living God.  But the next instance, he was hindering the work of God and had to be rebuked by Jesus (Mt 16:16, 22-23). 

If God has placed you in a position of authority or leadership, pray that you can use your power with discretion to build and not to tear down (2 Cor 13:10).  Seek Him for wisdom in the worship and service of His great name.  The devil is also seeking the worship of people in exchange for the diabolical powers that he can give.  Recognise that we are all under the authority of God (including the devil) and that whatever power that has been granted to us has been delegated.