God’s omnipotence is the first attribute in this devotional series that we have not learned about in Sunday school because we had to suspend our corporate gatherings due to the pandemic. 

“Omnipotence” is derived from Latin and means all-powerful. When used of God, it reveals the fact that God can do anything he pleases and that is consistent with his nature. This is clear from such texts as:

Psalm 115:3, “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.”

Job 23:13, “[God] is unchangeable, and who can turn him back?  What he desires, that he does.”

God’s omnipotence is clearly revealed in creation and providence. He created all that is, seen and unseen, out of nothing. Atheists argue that as we learn more about our universe through scientific inquiry, peoples’ faith in God will diminish. The opposite is true. Learning about the vastness of our universe and the complexity of the smallest cell leads us all the more to worship our Triune God who brought all things into existence by the Word of his power.

God’s omnipotence is also clearly revealed in our salvation. Though the Lord Jesus was crucified in human weakness, he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven “by the power of God” (2 Corinthians 13:4) and now rules and reigns over all things (Colossians 1:15-20). God’s power is on display whenever a sinner hears the Gospel and is regenerated by the Spirit (Romans 1:16).

We draw comfort from learning about this attribute because we learn from the Bible that God is not too big to care about us. He cares so much that he sent his only Son to be born in the frailty of our flesh in order that we might be reconciled to him. And he continues to care, overseeing every detail of our lives and providing our daily bread (Matthew 6:26).

We also draw comfort in knowing that God will always use his power to bring glory to himself and bless his people. One of the current concerns being expressed by people in many different countries is the growing power and influence of governments and private companies. This pandemic has become an excuse for governments to sidestep boundaries and impose laws that are overreaching, all in the name of safety. Even social media and tech companies are using the pandemic as an opportunity to further encroach on peoples’ private lives. Too much power in the hands of governments and corporations has historically made people uneasy, and rightly so. John Acton (1834-1902) wrote in a letter to an Anglican bishop: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men...” And yet, when we think about our wise, holy, and loving God, he uses his absolute power not for evil, but always for good—for the glory of his Name and the blessing of his people.