God's Power & Might

Have you ever paused to consider how mighty and powerful God is? In fact, there is a name that is used in the Bible that describes God’s power over all - El Shaddai. Then, there is another name that is used in the very first verse of the Bible that describes God as creator, Elohim. God’s power and might is evident in creation. In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1). This name for God actually appears over 2500 times in the Old Testament. It emphasizes God’s might, power, and judgment over all creation. To get a vivid picture of who God is as Creator, read Genesis 1:1-2:3.

It’s amazing what God did in a week! Think about what you’ve accomplished this week… Now think about what God did when He created the heavens, the earth, and all that is in it, in just under a week! I would do well to get the overgrown landscaping around my house in good shape in a week! God created everything that exists in under a week… in a word and with an outstretched hand. (Jeremiah 32:17). Do you see how mighty and powerful our God is?

God’s (Elohim’s) glory is proclaimed in creation!

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1

Have you gone outside lately on a dark, moonless night, in a really open space and gazed up at the night sky? Were you not awed, amazed, inspired by the brightness, beauty and vastness of what you saw… When you look at that sky, you can’t help but know and believe there is a powerful, mighty Creator!

God (Elohim) is clearly seen and understood through creation!

20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20

What does God (Elohim) reveal about himself in creation? Here are a few observations from three really smart guys:

God’s goodness is displayed in His provision for creeping things (bugs)…. “God is good to all his creation by providing their necessities—even to insects! Each variety has just the right kind of hiding place for its shape or just the right colors to blend in. Each variety also has its own special diet, which it finds in abundance where it lives. God provides everything his creatures need—he is truly good to all.” —David Boyd (PhD entomology).

God’s wisdom is displayed in the intricate design of the human body… “When designing robots, I am reminded that engineers could never emulate the integration found in the human body. Take for example the blood circulation system. An adult has over 60,000 miles of blood vessels that weave around every part of the body. The placement of those vessels is so accurate that every one of the body’s trillions of cells is no more than a fraction of a millimeter from a blood vessel! Such awesome design shows God is infinite in understanding and knowledge.” —Stuart Burgess (PhD mechanical engineering science).

God’s omnipotence is displayed in creation of the galaxies… “Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is a magnificent collection of a few hundred billion stars. But the Milky Way is just one of over 100 billion galaxies. The total number of stars in the universe is staggering. We can’t count the stars (Genesis 15:5), but God can, and he calls them all by name (Psalm 147:4). This speaks of God’s mighty power in creation.” —Danny Faulkner (PhD astronomy)

God has made Himself fully known in creation! Consider this wonderful truth… God, the creator of the heavens and earth, made YOU! What is your response to Him?

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

How is Jesus associated with the name Elohim?

The name Elohim is grammatically plural rather than singular. Why? This name would emphasize God’s power and might, but the use of the plural name Elohim also points to the Trinity. (Genesis 1:26). Jesus was present at creation! (John 1:1-3).

Elohim also refers to God as the supreme judge of the world. In the beginning, Elohim created us in His image; we were without sin! But sin entered the world through Adam and Eve and now we are all plagued by it. The Bible makes clear the penalty of sin is death; but God had a plan that revealed His amazing grace and rich mercy. (Romans 5:12,20-21). Jesus’ death and resurrection offers salvation and hope to all who believe!

What does all this mean for me? There is nothing my Almighty God (Elohim, El Shaddai) can not do! 17 “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17. Almighty God offers you strength, love and grace today! For much more, listen to Revealed - The Names of God - Part 2.