A Powerful People

SCRIPTURE: Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:12-15 NIV

QUOTE: “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” 9th Article, Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution

THOUGHT: It’s almost August! I started out to write a few devotions that took a look at faith and freedom and found out I had more to say than I knew. I hope this has been a valuable series for you (and in fact would like your feedback), and if not, you’ll be happy today is the final day. Next week I’ll return again to briefer thoughts, centered on building our faith.

Today’s thought is this: people are important to God, and they were important to Jesus. He gathered a humble group of people, taught them who they were and who God was, and changed the world. He gave them power to heal, to cause demons to flee, to speak the truth so freely and powerfully that it caused the gospel to perpetually spread and grow.

In just a shadow of that reality, our Founding Fathers believed that humble people – the great bulk of average, working, playing, marrying, raising families, often struggling people, were the pinnacle of power. A nation of people endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights. For them, the Constitution sprang to life, words on paper that gave hope to people like us – average Joes who often feel powerless. In a final flourish, the 9th Article of the Bill of Rights captures the rights of the people of the United States to not be restrained by the Constitution, as is government. Just in case we missed something important, summarized the Founders, you have the right to agree on whatever is necessary and just and the government must ultimately do your will.

My conclusion: in heaven and on earth, we have a lot more power than we know or use. What will we do with it?

PRAYER: We spend too much time feeling powerless, oh God. You have set before us life and death, blessings and curses. May we choose life – robust and free, beautifully self-governed because we love your law – so that we and our children may live.