GOD IS ABLE - 1. He who is mighty

GOD IS ABLE -  A New Testament series

It turns out there are 30 different ways this phrase is used in the New Testament, and that's perfect for a 30-day journey with the God who is able.

1. He who is mighty

~ "For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name." -Luke 1:49

First, an introduction.  When we say we're able to do something, we often mean that we'll put it on our schedule and get to it eventually.  But the word carries more weight than that, right?  If the mechanic is able to fix our car, we don't mean only that he has the time to do it; we mean he has both the ability and the strength to get the job done.

The New Testament word for "able" is full of that kind of energy. The Greek word used by Bible writers is actually the source of our English word dynamite.  In fact, it's often translated as "power" or "strength." When the Bible says "God is able," we get to see God's mighty power as He deals with all kinds of situations and obstacles.

For example, in today's verse we have the phrase "He who is mighty."  Mighty is the same as that word able, and in the chronology of the New Testament this is the first time that anyone has said, "God is able."  It's a beautiful verse because it doesn't focus on one specific thing God is able to do; it's just something He is.  He is the Able One, and therefore He does great things.

And who says this?  It's Mary, the mother of Jesus, just a little while after she has learned that her own Savior will soon be born through her (verse 48).  In the sweeping scope of God's story, this is a moment of massive importance.  Until now the Bible has described how God presented the human race with a variety of ways to walk with Him; but every approach He offered was ruined soon enough by human selfishness and pride.  Left to ourselves, we all prefer to go our own way.

So what can God do?  He is determined to seek a fellowship-relationship with human beings; yet He cannot force Himself upon us, because that's no relationship at all.  Here in this passage we find the answer: God had a Rescuer in reserve! The God who is able has not been stymied in His desire to show His love.  He will resist the proud, casting the mighty from their self-made thrones, and He will show His mercy and His strength to those who are humble.

Here, as we meet the God who is able, our relationship with Him is established not on our worth but on His goodness and power.  This verse is like a finely decorated gate that swings open to reveal a shining path of hope ahead, because God is able.