06
Aug '25
Shackling the Hands of the Almighty
06
Aug '25
Introduction: Imagine a person’s deliberate decision and rebellion limiting the supernatural power of God. Really? But can that really happen? Sure it can! And yet honestly, our mighty God can do anything He chooses, regardless of man’s lack of cooperation. Case in point, take for example the life of Jesus. He desired to do “more” but because of those who did not believe, He would not. Can people today put limitations on the Will of God? The Power of God? Can they resist the Holy Spirit to the point that they miss out?
What about the Christian? Can he or she grieve or quench the Holy Spirit so that He backs away, as it were? By the way, written to CHRISTians, the word “grieve” in Ephesians means to OFFEND or hurt. And yet diving deeper into this mystery, take a look at Mark’s gospel, which reveals this phenomenon.
1. Can people be “OFFENDED” today because of God’s work? (Mark 6:2-3) – “And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.”
Did you see that they were “OFFENDED at him”? But you might ask, WHY? First, check out the word OFFEND. It is σκανδαλίζω, which means to entrap, or to trip up. It can mean to stumble. Do you realize when you WITNESS or share TESTIMONIES about the Lord’s goodness and grace that some people will be OFFENDED? Whereas it is great to witness and share our faith in Jesus, please recognize that some will be OFFENDED, even in our own FAMILIES!!
2. Can this OFFENSE limit the workings of Jesus Christ? (Mark 6:4,5) – “Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.”
Unbelievable. Questionable. Remarkable that the ALMIGHTY did no miracles because of their UNBELIEF!
Please note: it was not because He did not want to. It was not because He could not. Instead, it was because they did not want Him to! And so it is today!! Those who refuse and reject Jesus Christ refuse His wonder-working power. Are you refusing His help? How? Do you know someone who is refusing His power? What can you do?
Conclusion: These are very sad words indeed. “And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.”
So remember, if Jesus could do no works with some, we will not be able to as well. Some will doubt. Some will believe. Know the difference.
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese