The Power of God

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 11, 1915

Lesson for the Children — No. 4

The Power of God

MEMORY TEXT: “But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord.” Micah 3:8.

Ask the children if, on a clear, dark night, they have seen the multitude of stars in the sky. Why do they not fall down? What keeps each in its place? — They are the work of God’s fingers (Ps. 8:3), and every star is upheld by the wonderful power of God. That power is in the word of Jesus. He upholds “all things by the word of his power.” Strength, or power to do right, is given by the Spirit of God. We may not understand how. Neither do we know how power is given through electricity to do the wonderful things we see that it does.

Perhaps the children have seen a power house where electricity is generated and dispersed. Wires connect with trolley cars and buildings. We touch a button or turn a crank, and the house is flooded with light, or wheels begin to turn. It is the energy that comes from the power house that works these wonders.

There are three things we must do if we have electricity to use — we must ask for it, pay for it, and receive it. It is so with spiritual power, which comes from God. We want to overcome sin, but we lack power. We would work for Jesus because we love him, but we have no strength. Before he went away, Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” To us he is our “power house,” the source of strength and grace. We are like the electric lights, which give no light of themselves. (Have picture of a pole with an electric lamp at the top, but giving no light. As the lesson is developed, draw yellow rays to represent light streaming out.)

But we shall have no power if we do not ask for it. It is likened in the Bible to rain, which makes the crops grow. In this time the Lord says, “Ask ye of the Lord rain.” Zech. 10:1. If we do not receive power we shall not grow, shall give no light.

What shall we pay for this heavenly power? Tell how Simon thought he might receive the Spirit by paying money for it, as found in Acts 8:14-24. It takes more than money, but all can pay the price. If we give ourselves, as the electric lamp does, to be used by the current,

God will give all the power we can use to his glory. It must use us, and we must be willing to be used.

Sometimes the wires of an electric lamp get out of order, something—and it may be a very small thing—hinders the current from reaching them. Then there is no light. So it will be with us. A very little sin shuts away the power of Jesus. We are unwilling to pay the price, and then we have no power to overcome sin, and we give no light in the world.

Illustrate by a man owning a house where electric wires, charged with electricity, pass his door; but he has no light. He may ask for it, but he will not pay the price nor receive it. He might have his house and grounds flooded with light, but all is dark. He will not take the power provided. So, though we may ask, and even be willing to pay, yet if we do not accept the Holy Spirit by faith we have no heavenly power.

In this meeting, earnest prayer should be offered that we may be willing to give up sin and take the power Jesus has promised and longs to give. We should also beseech the Lord to grant this heavenly gift to the missionaries. Pray that each of us may become lights, somewhere, for Jesus.