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An Unexpected Demonstration of Power

It was the second day of school (a one-year Bible college in very rural Montana).

We didn’t know each other all that well…or maybe at all. A group of us had taken a hike up the canyon to a cliff you could jump from into a river. We were going to swim in the very cold Dearborn River, start a fire, roast a few hotdogs, and make some hot chocolate to warm up.

As we sat there getting to know one another, someone asked one of the girls how much she exercised; she was clearly very fit. After a little good-humored banter, someone asked her to flex a bicep. The resulting bulge was unexpected and very impressive.

Clear and obvious strength. An unexpected source.

Men appreciate a display of strength, often wondering whether we would be equal to the task. But there are more ways to be strong than bulging biceps, and sometimes it’s easy to dismiss or overlook those kinds of strength that don’t fit into a classic display of power.

Consider Paul’s description of God’s power in Romans 1: the Gospel that brings salvation.

Perhaps it’s easy to think, “Of course! God’s power is on full display in our salvation.” And, of course, it is, but let’s consider how Paul begins that statement:

“I am not ashamed of the Gospel…”

Why would Paul need to clarify that he is not ashamed?

It’s because this display of power was not the expected way a god (remember, in ancient cultures, there were believed to be many) would behave. Paul’s Gospel showed God being humble, God subjecting Himself to mistreatment, God not showing power over; it was as inverted a perception of godlike behavior imaginable.

And yet, in the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, the power of God is on full display. Not just in the events of Jesus’ life but in what they ultimately accomplished: our salvation.

Paul is not ashamed to embrace and declare the “ungodlike” behavior that demonstrates the ultimate power of God that brings salvation in and through Jesus Christ.

It’s easy to get caught in stereotypes and dismiss things that don’t easily fit into our paradigms. But remember, God’s power of salvation is something outside the classic depiction of strength, too. There’s more than one way to be strong.

Prayer: God of the unexpected, thank You for the power that brings and offers salvation. Help me understand and embrace Your strength; help me be strong in the ways that matter most, for my family, friends, and Your Kingdom. Amen.

Reflection: Have you ever been ashamed of the Gospel or embarrassed to declare the power of God? Ask God for the courage that Paul had to make it known.