Power that transcends the world
Genesis 39:1~6 The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. (2)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #370 Singing I Go (#455 in previous version)
When we go out to the real world, we must live under the same conditions and same circumstances as unbelievers. That is why we absolutely need the power that is unseen to our eyes. We need the power that comes from God being with us. We must find this blessing in this world.
1.God’s people who lived during the patriarchal age
In the patriarchal age, Abraham found the power of being with God. Even greater hardships came to Abraham who left his home country and moved to a foreign land. It was a difficult situation for him to even fend for himself, but Abraham, who found this power that no one knew about, received the answer of commanding the 318 trained men born in his household. Isaac, who received grace through Abraham, reaped one hundredfold blessings, discovered a well of fresh water and took possession of spacious lands. Without realizing this blessing, Jacob was dragged into difficulties upon difficulties until he realized it. However, Joseph understood this power at a young age and enjoyed God being with him even when he was sold into slavery or confined in prison. Even now, God is with us and gives us strength.
2. God’s people who lived during the exodus and the age of captivity
God promised that He would be with Moses with His mighty hand. With Moses, who had this power, as the leader, God took the people of Israel out of Egypt. And the people of Israel went into the land of Canaan through Joshua and Caleb who had this power. If we restore this power, it is all right even when we face difficulties. Even when taken as a captive, Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine that were offered before the idols and refused to worship other gods even though he learned that he would be put to death. It was because he had the power God gave him. Right now we still face many works and challenges in regard to church, region, future generation and this age. In order to undertake such tasks, we need the power that we can only gain from the Gospel.
3. God’s people who lived during the age of the Early Church
The gathering of those who had assurance in this power was the Early Church. The believers of the Early Church had reached the conclusion concerning Christ. They were also aware of the result of world evangelization and the steps in which they would receive the filling of the Holy Spirit and become witnesses to the ends of the earth. If those who know this blessing come together, world evangelization will indeed be fulfilled.
- Works will arise even if we think for just ten minutes a day about the power that God gives to us, and health will be restored and miracles will take place if we enjoy this blessing all day long. How are you enjoying this blessing?
Business & Industry Missions Message / 2010.11.20