Text: Matthew 28:16-20; John 1:1-4

Power is the theme this week. As we prepare to make spiritual application with the seven opposing nations of Deuteronomy 7, it is necessary to understand the powers in this world. While these seven nations were literal powers in Israel’s day, today they can be representative of our enemies (powers) that must be devoted to destruction.

In the quest to inherit the land these powers must be overcome to live the abundant life in Jesus Christ. Although Israel’s battles were in the physical, ours is spiritual: “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4 ESV). The divine power that sanctions our weapons is Jesus Christ: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18 KJV).

It is Jesus who, through the Holy Spirit, will do today in the spirit what He did centuries ago in the physical: “Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries” (Exodus 23:20,22 KJV). Personal battles are looming and strongholds are being fortified, but All Power is here and He is on our side—and He knows no defeat!

Be encouraged today that Christ is here; be encouraged today that no weapon formed against you can prosper; be encouraged today that Jesus has all power and that He is with you!