In what ways can we deepen our understanding of God's power today? The Heartbeat of Mark 12:24 “Jesus said to them, ‘Aren’t you mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?’” Jesus links error to two gaps—ignorance of Scripture and ignorance of God’s power. The cure is to pursue both relentlessly and together. Two Essential Pillars: Scripture and Power • Scripture is God-breathed, entirely trustworthy, and fully authoritative (2 Timothy 3:16). • God’s power is active, personal, and measurable—“the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-20). • Neglect either pillar and spiritual understanding collapses; embrace both and faith flourishes. Practices that Expand Our Vision of God’s Power Today 1. Soak in the God-breathed Word • Read large sections for the big picture and small portions for careful study. • Memorize verses that highlight His might (Psalm 33:6-9; Isaiah 40:26-31). • Ask, “What does this reveal about God’s power, and how does it call me to respond?” 2. Pray with Expectation • Pray Paul’s prayer: “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened… to know the surpassing greatness of His power” (Ephesians 1:18-19). • Bring impossible situations before Him, trusting Jeremiah 32:17: “Nothing is too difficult for You.” • Keep a journal of specific requests and recorded answers as tangible reminders. 3. Step Out in Obedience • Jesus promises self-revelation to the obedient: “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them… I will reveal Myself to him” (John 14:21). • Obedience positions us to witness His power firsthand—think of the Red Sea opening only after Israel moved forward (Exodus 14:15-16). 4. Testify and Remember • Rehearse His past interventions: “I will remember the works of the LORD” (Psalm 77:11-14). • Share testimonies in family and church; they ignite faith in others (Revelation 12:11). • Build “Ebenezers”—physical or written markers that commemorate His deeds (1 Samuel 7:12). 5. Worship with Awe • Deliberately meditate on His greatness: “One generation will commend Your works to the next… they will proclaim the power of Your awesome deeds” (Psalm 145:3-6). • Music, art, and creation all become platforms for magnifying His power. 6. Rely on the Spirit • Jesus promised power when the Spirit comes (Acts 1:8). • Seek daily filling (Ephesians 5:18), conscious dependence, and spiritual gifts exercised within biblical bounds (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Common Roadblocks and How to Overcome Them • Intellectualism without faith—counter by praying for revelation (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). • Experience-seeking detached from Scripture—anchor every practice in the Written Word. • Unbelief rooted in a hardened heart—exhort one another daily (Hebrews 3:12-13). Living This Truth Today Immerse yourself in the Word, pray expectantly, obey promptly, remember gratefully, worship passionately, and lean on the Spirit continually. As these rhythms shape life, the very errors Jesus exposed in Mark 12:24 fade, and a vibrant, firsthand knowledge of “the power of God” becomes the believer’s daily experience. |
    |