The Lord is the strength of His people. While it is true that we are called to do our part, God must add the necessary strength to accomplish the work.
Although one individual may possess both power and authority, the two are not identical. Authority is the right or responsibility to do something whereas power is the ability to do something. Unfortunately, the modern versions missed this truth when they translated Matthew 28:18. Instead of properly expressing that because of the resurrection the Lord Jesus had been given all power in heaven and earth, these so-called bibles suggest that He had been instead given authority. The authority already resided with Him, but the resurrection declared Him “to be the Son of God with power” (Romans 1:4). His resurrection from the dead gave Him the power over death by conquering the one who possessed the power of death (Hebrews 2:14).
Jacob made an agreement with Laban to serve him in exchange for Rachel’s hand in marriage. His tenure of service was filled with great difficulties. Not only was the service itself hard work, but his service was marked with change and troubles. No doubt Jacob could have bemoaned these difficulties, but instead the Bible says that the seven years of service “seemed unto him but a few days.” How could Jacob give such testimony when we know that those were seven arduous years of labour? The Bible explains that he made it through those difficult days “for the love he had to her.” Our love for the Saviour ought to parallel and even exceed Jacob’s love for Rachel. Similar to Jacob’s determination to serve, we too have a purpose. At times, our service for the Lord may seem filled with great difficulties, but a deep and genuine love for the Saviour will make one’s service seem “but a few days.”
Sometimes the Bible’s first usage of a word offers the greatest insights into the overall usage of the word throughout the scriptures. For instance, today’s verse affords a glimpse into the first use of a form of the word love. This first occurrence is by divine design representing the greatest of truths. This first mention of love reflects the love of a father for his beloved son. Of even greater significance is the fact that despite this father’s love for his son, he was willing to sacrifice him in obedience to his heavenly Father. Bible students have always considered this father and son duo as a wonderful picture of the relationship of our heavenly Father (God the Father) to God the Son. The first mention of the word love is a father’s love for his son and the first love ever was the love of God the Father for God the Son (John 15:9; John 17:23, 26). Only the Lord could orchestrate such wonderful and profound truths.
