16 “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” ~ Genesis 41:16NIV
27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these: ~ Daniel 2:27-28 NIV
I’ve noticed a recurring theme in the Church today. When we speak about the power of God, we always say, “I can do nothing … it’s all God …” Then we often refer to Joseph and Daniel, two great men of God who did great things in the name of God, as examples. Here’s the thing, though, they weren’t under this new and better covenant.
While God undoubtedly gave them gifts, those gifts weren’t theirs per se. Those gifts and that power still belonged to God, and those men still belonged to sin. But we, however, are no longer under the power of sin. We are no longer under a cruel and wicked master. We have been bought by a price (1 Corinthians 6:20), saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8), and are the temple of the living God (1 Corinthians 3:16).
No longer are we separated from God and kept far from His presence. He dwells in us and through us. The Son prays on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25), and because we don’t know how to pray as we ought, the Holy Spirit prays on our behalf with deep groanings (Romans 8:26). And most importantly, we have been given the keys to the kingdom (Matthew 16:19). That is why in the Book of Acts, after the Holy Spirit is poured down on all flesh fulling the promise of the LORD through the prophet Joel 400 years before it’s fulfillment (Acts 2), we don’t see them apostles saying “I can’t do this, but I know a God who can.” No. They boldly declare:
6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Acts 3:6NIV
Never again do we see them saying they can’t do something, but instead, they do all things in the name of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit seeking in them. Why? Because that power and authority has been given to the Church by our LORD and our God for His glory. So, let us no longer walk in the ways of Joseph and Daniel, who used gifts but did not have them as their own. Instead, let us follow in the ways of Peter, John, and Paul, who not only had those gifts but used them for the furthering of the Kingdom of God.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Avoid A False Humility.