October 2002

Christ:
The Landscape of Life

Part Twenty-eight

“LO and BEHOLD”

(L)

“Omnipotence reigns!” [4]

             Consider the full weight and significance of the word, omnipotent! It can apply only to one Being which is the Most High God! The word, “god”, has been used loosely throughout the ages, as man has called everything from the sun or moon to cows a god! People ascribe power to what they worship since the need to believe in something greater than ourselves where they can turn in times of desperation, is paramount to the human condition. As imperfect beings we are incapable of overcoming the endless evils that assail us on earth. This natural existence could be well-likened to an amusement park ride through a house of fantasy where one minute all may appear pleasant and peaceful, then from the shadows a frightening apparition lunges and makes hearts skip a beat! We shriek and laugh nervously at our own exposed fears; but our sense of security is shaken, so now we are watchful and wary of other possible, unexpected apparitions. Even if the ensuing ride offers interludes of peace and calm, there now abides an unsettling undercurrent of dark expectation as our bedrock of harmony with the universe is irreparably shattered!
              Have you ever wondered what is the FIRST FEAR to manifest in the human condition? As a mother of six I can say with certainty, it is the FEAR OF FALLING! The first time a newborn is held in such a way that his arms and legs are not secured, he will start to shake, flail his limbs about and wail in terror! That is why most hospitals tend to wrap every newborn in a tight blanket-cocoon. It relieves that fear of falling when the infant is being handled or picked up. I discovered this with the birth of my first son, and so with all my babies, I continued to bundle them that way at home for the early weeks. It indeed seemed to help them remain secure and calm when I carried them about. This innate FEAR OF FALLING stems from the FIRST FALL of Adam! I believe it is genetic to our human condition. Now that man knows he is capable of falling, he dreads falling still further away from the protective care of his heavenly Father! Natural man may try to deceive himself that he is fearless, all-powerful and in control of his own life; but when a crisis, calamity or catastrophe befalls and renders him helpless, he is at once made to feel he is “on his own”! He may likely cry up to the sky- the highest point to which men can appeal - “If there is a God up there, help me!”
              Moments of human desperation are God’s finest hour as they provide a perfect showcase for His Sovereignty! As believers in Christ, we have learned to EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED; but even more, to EXPECT THE IMPOSSIBLE- APART FROM GOD!! That is why Paul came to say, “I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am! I know how to be abased and live humbly in straightened circumstances; and I know how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance! I have learned- in any and all circumstances- the secret of facing every situation...well-fed or going hungry; having a sufficiency and to spare, or going without and being in want- I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me! I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; that is, I am ‘self-sufficient’ (but only) IN CHRIST’S SUFFICIENCY!” (Php 4:11-14 AV) This is the secret to perfect peace! It is being made aware (albeit painfully) that mortal man is not all-powerful; but God, Alone, IS all-powerful! This ONE TRUE GOD has made Himself known in the form of JESUS CHRIST! Jn 17:3 says to know the Only True God- and Jesus Christ Whom He has sent- is the true definition of ETERNAL LIFE! If 100 men stood side by side worshiping “god”, and 99 direct their worship to Buddha, Allah or Hinduism’s “no god in particular”; or human prophets; if the one remaining directs his worship to Jesus Christ; he, alone, is worshiping the TRUE GOD! Isa 7:14 calls Messiah, Immanuel- “GOD with us”; and Ro 13:1 says, “There is NO POWER BUT OF GOD!” Jesus Christ says, “ALL POWER in heaven and earth IS GIVEN TO ME!” (Mt 28:18) Thus, if ALL POWER in heaven and earth is embodied in Jesus Christ, it means that JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE GOD! Praise His Name forever!

[TO BE CONTINUED]