All Power is God's Power

     Power, like money, demands a kind of stewardship from the one who holds it.  In the end, all power is God's power.  He created all things and holds them together by His omnipotence.  Thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities were all created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16-17).  Absolute power laughs at the stratagems of kings (Psalm 2) to overthrow His authority.  Omnipotence will one day cause every knee to bow before Christ, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth (Philippians 2:11).
     If all power is God's power, then all authority rests with Him.  If I exercise authority in ministry, my power exists by His permission.  The authorities that exist have been established by Him.  Even Satan reports to God.  He is leashed, asking permission to minister destruction (Job 1).  Satan's cosmic rebellion serves the ends of a righteous God, who will one day turn everything to good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
     Our power, then, is delegated.  God sets the boundaries for the exercise of our authority.  Governments are given authority to administer justice and to punish evildoers (Romans 13:1-5).  If they require us to break a law of God, they abrogate their authority and we must obey God rather than man (Acts 4:19).  Church leaders are given authority so that they might speak the Word of God (Hebrews 13:7,17), but they must render an account to Him.  If there are credible witnesses when they sin, they are to be rebuked publicly so that others may take warning (I Timothy 5:19-20).  We are responsible for the way we use the delegated power of God, stewards of His power for good.