Jeremiah 32:17 'Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. (ESV)
This Wednesday morning, several songs were running through my head. Some have been hymns, others were more modern praise & worship songs, and then, there’s the popular chorus from 1976 based on the verse noted above. If I’m not mistaken, this was one of the key verses for this past summer’s VBS. Regardless, this verse and chorus provide a helpful reminder that is applicable for all the times of life.
No matter whether the road is rough or smooth, it’s helpful to remember God’s great power. He is the one who created the heavens and the earth with just a word. He simply (simple for God, that is) spoke them into existence. Now, that’s power!
To dig a little deeper, I did a search for “outstretched arm” in my Bible software, and was surprised with the results. This phrase occurs in 16 verses and only in the Old Testament. It’s only in Jeremiah that it refers to God’s creative power. Further, it’s usually used in reference to God’s deliverance of His people from Egypt. While there’s comfort in remembering God’s power displayed in that deliverance, the focus is definitely on God’s judgment and wrath as pictured in the plagues upon Egypt. I must say, God’s “outstretched arm” doesn’t sound so rosy any more. But, that doesn’t make it any less powerful!
However, that’s not the note with which I desire to close. Instead, please remember the last phrase of the verse noted above” “Nothing is too hard for you.” It wasn’t too hard for God to create the heavens and the earth. It wasn’t too hard for God to deliver His people from the mighty Egyptians. Surely, it’s not to hard for God to handle anything you might be facing today. Today, remember God’s great power, and, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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