“By the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing.” (Isaiah 40:26b)

Easter recedes in the rear view mirror as the roadway stretches forward with mile markers slipping past at the speed of life. From this close proximity, the cross and the thunderous noise of the tombstone rolling away are unparalleled reminders that God is completely trustworthy. He proved himself long before he made his way to Calvary, and when we look into the old stories we discover that they compliment God’s plan of redemption perfectly. The aged verses give purposeful direction and prove to be sturdy reinforcements to face the unknown stretches ahead.

Christ the Lord conquered the stench of sin as he was stretched on wooden beams; thorns that surged like daggers from Adam’s fall pierced his noble brow. With incomparable power he forced death to bow to his superiority, rid himself of grave clothes, and presented us with life that bears the everlasting distinction.

Over seven centuries before the Lord Jesus walked through the Judean hills, the prophet Isaiah spoke of this power. “Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him…by the greatness of his might, and because his is strong in power not one is missing…The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable” (Isaiah 40:10, 26, 28).

Years before Isaiah’s charge, King Jehoshaphat also testified to the same determined chorus. As his enemies came marching into town, the fear-filled king “set his face to seek the LORD” (2 Chronicles 20:3). He too gives voice to his incomparable might: “O, LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you” (2 Chronicles 20:6).

At times our schedules drain our energy and our worlds squeeze us tight. When exhaustion marks our steps and weariness becomes part of our regular routine, it is easy to forget the triumphant story of Easter. But precisely at these moments we have access to Scripture that enables us to regain perspective. The might and power of our God, known by ancient kings and wise prophets, culminated at the crossroads of Calvary.

Incomparable and available! Let the celebration continue.

Elizabeth A. Mitchell

Photo Credit: Paul Westell