Topical Bible: Power of God: The Thunder of his Power

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The concept of the "Power of God" is a central theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's supreme authority and might over creation, history, and the lives of individuals. One of the most vivid metaphors used to describe God's power is "thunder," which conveys both the awe-inspiring and fearsome aspects of His divine strength.

Biblical References

The imagery of thunder as a representation of God's power is prevalent in the Scriptures. In the book of Job, a profound discourse on the majesty and mystery of God's power is presented. Job 26:14 states, "Indeed, these are but the fringes of His ways; how faint is the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?" This verse highlights the incomprehensible nature of God's power, suggesting that what humanity perceives is merely a whisper compared to the full magnitude of His might.

In Psalm 29, the voice of the Lord is likened to thunder, emphasizing His dominion over nature. Psalm 29:3-4 declares, "The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the LORD is heard over many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic." Here, the psalmist portrays God's voice as a powerful force that commands respect and reverence, echoing through creation with authority.

Theological Significance

The thunderous power of God serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and the reverence due to Him. It underscores the belief that God is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer and Ruler of the universe. This power is not arbitrary or capricious; rather, it is exercised with purpose and wisdom, as seen in the orderly functioning of creation and the unfolding of divine plans throughout history.

In the narrative of Exodus, God's power is demonstrated through the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, acts that are accompanied by natural phenomena such as thunder and lightning. Exodus 19:16 describes the scene at Mount Sinai: "On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud upon the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled." This event signifies God's covenantal relationship with Israel and His power to deliver and guide His people.

Practical Implications

For believers, the thunder of God's power is both a source of comfort and a call to humility. It reassures them of God's ability to protect and provide, as well as His ultimate control over all circumstances. At the same time, it calls for a humble acknowledgment of human limitations and the need for reliance on God's strength.

The New Testament continues to affirm the power of God, particularly through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 1:24 , Paul refers to Christ as "the power of God and the wisdom of God," indicating that the ultimate expression of divine power is found in the redemptive work of Christ.

Conclusion

The thunder of God's power is a profound biblical metaphor that captures the essence of His omnipotence and majesty. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's presence and authority in the world, inviting believers to trust in His strength and submit to His will.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 26:14
See, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

God's Gentle Power
... the judgment-seat, and amidst the rolling thunder the book ... mother carried you in
her arms to God's house, and ... What infernal power has helped you to steel your ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/gods gentle power.htm

Conviction of Sin.
... It is the day of the power of the Lord that ... the jailer: they that receive light without
thunder, are subject to turn the grace of God into wantonness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/x conviction of sin.htm

Christ --The Power and Wisdom of God
... In the Christian's experience, Christ is wisdom, as well as power. ... lowing of cattle,
in the rolling of thunder, and in ... find him to be the wisdom of God in your ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/christthe power and wisdom of.htm

[Greek: En Toyto Nika]
... that what seems to you weakness, is the very power of God; the power of doing ... the
world, when riches and glory, and armies, aye, the very thunder and the ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxxiv greek en toyto.htm

God is Known by his Works.
... He is God alone who made light out of darkness, and ... by the lightning the peal of
the thunder, that no ... if the lightning were allowed all its power, it would ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter vi god is known by.htm

The Ark of his Covenant
... There were all these tokens of His presence, and God will not leave the covenant
of his grace without the sanctions of His power; that thunder, that lightning ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/the ark of his covenant.htm

Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences
... of penalties and of reserved cases, the power of the ... But much more does he intend
to thunder against those who use ... sin and violated the Mother of God"this is ...
/.../luther/martin luthers 95 theses/disputation of doctor martin luther.htm

Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice
... We heard but yesterday, or the day before, mighty displays of God's power in the
rolling thunder which alarmed us; and when we saw the splendor of his might in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/mercy omnipotence and justice.htm

God's World
... in the psalms in church; that is David's account of the thunder. ... wretches on the
cross,"that same love, that same power, that same Word of God, who made ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon i gods world.htm

God's People Delivered.
... Above the terrific roar of thunder, voices, mysterious ... exultant in their cruelty
to God's commandment-keeping ... Christ, and tremble before His power, while men ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm