SATURDAY MORNING TIDBIT

by Given O. Blakely

WHEN OMNIPOTENCE IS HINDERED

Is it possible to hinder Omnipotence; to impede the hand of the Almighty? In the ultimate sense, it is not! As it is written, "For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?" (Isa 14:27). In the strictest sense of the word, God "doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" (Dan 4:35). God overturns the counsel of the ungodly, frustrating their intentions (Isa 44:24-26). However, the mighty hand of God can be hindered for the individual. While Divine objective cannot be negated by human opposition, Divine benefits are withheld when unbelief dominates. How graphically this is seen in these words: "And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief" (Matt 13:58). Unbelief prevailed in those environs to such an extent it caused Jesus to "marvel." As it is written, "And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief" (Mark 6:6). The Lord Jesus wept over Jerusalem, confessing He had often desired to gather them together, but was restrained by their obstinacy (Matt 23:37; Luke 13:34). They "would not" be gathered, and so He did not gather them together! The spiritual sterility around us is evidence of hard hearts and obstinate wills. Many a professed church exists in our communities that has actually hindered Christ, becoming an obstacle before the Kingdom, beyond which men cannot pass (Lk 11:56). It is possible to restrain the hand of Omnipotence -- but woe to that person or group of persons that does so. Like Jerusalem of old, their house will be left desolate, abandoned by the Almighty! In view of the present condition, at least two things are in order. First, pray that the Lord would do a mighty work in our generation. In the words of the Psalmist, "It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law" (Psa 119:126). Second, make it your business to not be a source of marvel to the Lord because of unbelief. Rather, give Him a cause to marvel because of your faith. Be like the Centurion to whom Jesus responded, "He marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel" (Matt 8:10).

Have a blessed and profitable week end with the Lord Jesus In joyful expectation of glory, Given O. Blakely