The Power Went Out
The weather man predicted it – the school children anticipated it – the road crews prepared for it – and the patter on the window panes announced it. Yes, the ice storm arrived – glazing branches and electric wires – each bending and some breaking under the weight of thousands of drops of frozen water. Schools closed and tow trucks rolled as ice coated streets and cars tried double salchows – to no avail.
The ice storm came and went, leaving in its aftermath downed wires causing dark houses, cold businesses and happy school children. No one would know just how long the power would be out as work crews rolled out to tackle the outages, one wire at a time.
Yes, thousands of people were cast backwards in time as furnaces stopped, TV’s remained dark and fireplaces burned wood for heat and light. Families discovered the art of conversation and husbands found that snuggling was a good thing.
The lack of power created havoc in the business world as computers stopped and workers layered for warmth. The lack of power highlighted just how dependent our society has become on electricity for work, comfort and food.
Long before electricity was generated, Pharaoh experienced a different power:
For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. You still set yourself against my people and will not let them go.
– Exodus 9: 15-17
Moses was God’s hands and voice to Pharaoh as God’s power was manifested. Yes, God could have struck down the Egyptians, He did it before – the Flood and Sodom and Gomorrah proved God’s power. However, by using Moses and Pharaoh, His name is remembered even to this day.
God’s power continued to be shown through Moses as Israel wandered through the wilderness. Food, water, protection from the elements, a pillar of fire by night – all gave witness to God’s power.
God’s power did not leave with Moses – no, He continued to use His people to demonstrate His awesome power. Joshua was the first in a long line of servants that stepped up and was used by God.
Perhaps there was no greater manifestation of God’s power than when Christ was born a Baby in Bethlehem. God, made flesh, on earth – to reconcile sinners with His Father, to save us from our sinful state – to suffer and die – only to rise again on the third day – to give us victory over sin, death and the power of Satan. That is power!
We have been given that power at our baptism - Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. – Romans 6: 3-4
We rejoice over this – we celebrate it – for we have life eternal! We have God’s power in our life!
So what do we do? Can the casual observer see the power in us or do we act as if an ice storm has cut our wires and taken our power?
It is my prayer that all people would see the power of God in your words – your actions – your very life.
The weather man predicted it – the school children anticipated it – the road crews prepared for it – and the patter on the window panes announced it. Yes, the ice storm arrived – glazing branches and electric wires – each bending and some breaking under the weight of thousands of drops of frozen water. Schools closed and tow trucks rolled as ice coated streets and cars tried double salchows – to no avail.
The ice storm came and went, leaving in its aftermath downed wires causing dark houses, cold businesses and happy school children. No one would know just how long the power would be out as work crews rolled out to tackle the outages, one wire at a time.
Yes, thousands of people were cast backwards in time as furnaces stopped, TV’s remained dark and fireplaces burned wood for heat and light. Families discovered the art of conversation and husbands found that snuggling was a good thing.
The lack of power created havoc in the business world as computers stopped and workers layered for warmth. The lack of power highlighted just how dependent our society has become on electricity for work, comfort and food.
Long before electricity was generated, Pharaoh experienced a different power:
For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. You still set yourself against my people and will not let them go.
– Exodus 9: 15-17
Moses was God’s hands and voice to Pharaoh as God’s power was manifested. Yes, God could have struck down the Egyptians, He did it before – the Flood and Sodom and Gomorrah proved God’s power. However, by using Moses and Pharaoh, His name is remembered even to this day.
God’s power continued to be shown through Moses as Israel wandered through the wilderness. Food, water, protection from the elements, a pillar of fire by night – all gave witness to God’s power.
God’s power did not leave with Moses – no, He continued to use His people to demonstrate His awesome power. Joshua was the first in a long line of servants that stepped up and was used by God.
Perhaps there was no greater manifestation of God’s power than when Christ was born a Baby in Bethlehem. God, made flesh, on earth – to reconcile sinners with His Father, to save us from our sinful state – to suffer and die – only to rise again on the third day – to give us victory over sin, death and the power of Satan. That is power!
We have been given that power at our baptism - Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. – Romans 6: 3-4
We rejoice over this – we celebrate it – for we have life eternal! We have God’s power in our life!
So what do we do? Can the casual observer see the power in us or do we act as if an ice storm has cut our wires and taken our power?
It is my prayer that all people would see the power of God in your words – your actions – your very life.