This week, through Vacation Bible School, our church has the opportunity and privilege to teach children in our area about our awesome God who has amazing power. This year’s VBS Scripture is Psalm 147:5: “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.”
As kids explore Psalm 147:5; they will recognize God’s power over all things, trust that God is always in control, accept God’s gift of forgiveness, celebrate that Jesus is alive, and rely on God’s power. This morning we will take a closer examination of these Biblical truths.
God’s Power over all Things
We serve an awesome God with amazing power over all things. There is nothing in this world that is outside the power of God. The Bible reveals that God is sovereign (rules) over all things. We know this because Genesis 1:1 tells us God created all things. Colossians 1 gets more specific by telling us that it was actually God the Son who created all things. Not only that, but all things were created for Him and through Him all things hold together. In Psalm 147:4 we read that God “determines the number of the stars; He gives to all of them their names.” Psalm 147 also tells us it is God who gives rain and makes grass grow. God provides food, snow, wind, and water to all. God has power over all things. God even has power over Satan and his demonic followers. Because of this we recognize: “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.”
Trust that God is Always in Control
We serve an awesome God with amazing power who is always in control. Ask Joseph if God is in control. He told his brothers (who had sold him into slavery) in Genesis 50:19-20 “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” Ask Job if God is in control. He confesses in Job 42:2: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” The amazing thing is that even if we fail to recognize it, God has power over all things and is always in control. Humans commit crimes and rebellion occurs, but we rest in the promise that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). To this we recognize, “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.”
Accept God’s Gift of Forgiveness
We serve an awesome God with amazing power who offers forgiveness as a gift. Why does He offer forgiveness as a gift? He does so because we have rebelled against Him. Rather than destroy us, He offers forgiveness. He says, “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isa. 1:18). He says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near; let the wicked forsake his way” (Isa. 55:6-7). Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5:20, says, “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” and in 6:2, says: “Behold, now is the day of salvation.” Paul says in Romans 10:9, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Accept God’s gift of forgiveness and recognize: “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.”
Celebrate that Jesus is Alive
We serve an awesome God with amazing power who is alive. Jesus Christ died, but He was raised from the dead. He died for sin and was raised to conquer death itself. We visit a tomb, but it is an empty tomb. Peter said “this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it” (Acts 2:23-24). Jesus is alive! Death could not contain Him. Because He lives, He is able to grant us life. Celebrate that Jesus is alive for “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; His understanding is beyond measure.”
Rely on God’s Power
We serve an awesome God with amazing power who calls you to rely on Him. This awesome God with amazing power has power over all things. He is always in control and offers forgiveness for your rebellion. Rely on God’s power. His understanding is beyond measure. Trust in Him daily. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Questions for Reflection
- What things does God have power over in your life?
- How does knowing that God is in control help you in your daily life?
- What forgiveness does God offer?
- What proof does the Bible offer to the resurrection of Jesus?
- How can you rely on God’s power?
First Baptist Scott City, MO 