Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Ephesians 6:10
“What it is to ‘be strong in the power of His might.’ To be strong in the power of the Lord’s might, implies two acts of faith. First, a settled firm persuasion that the Lord is almighty on power. ‘Be strong in the power of His might,’ that is, be strongly rooted in your faith, concerning this one foundation truth, that God is almighty. Second, it implies a further act of faith, not only to believe that God is almighty, but also that this almighty power of God is engaged for its defense; so as to bear up in the midst of all trials and temptations undauntedly, leaning on the arm of God Almighty, as it were his own strength.
For that is the apostle’s drift, as to beat us off from leaning on our own strength, so to encourage the Christian to make use of God’s almighty power, as freely as if it were his own, whenever assaulted by Satan in any kind. As a man set upon by a thief stirs up all the force and strength he hath in his whole body to defend himself and offend his adversary; so the apostle bids the Christian “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might,” that is, Soul, away to thy God, whose mighty power is all intended and devoted by God himself for thy succor and defense.
Go strengthen and entrench thyself in it by a steadfast faith, as that which shall be laid out to the utmost for thy good. From whence these two notes [or doctrines], I conceive, will draw out the fatness of the words. (1) That it should be the Christian’s great care and endeavor in all temptations and trials to strengthen his faith on the almighty power of God. (2) The Christian’s duty and care is not only to believe that God is almighty, but strongly by faith to rest on this almighty power of God, as engaged for his help and succor in all his trials and temptations.”
William Gurnall (1617-1679) famous Puritan clergyman known for the classic work, “The Christian in Complete Armour” (page 6-7) which is his treatise on the saints’ war against the devil (Ephesians 6:10-20).
Might is a term associated in Scripture with all the capacity we can muster.
The athlete or the soldier relies on physical strength. The professor or researcher depends on mental strength. The business person or wealthy bloke often relies on financial strength.
Gurnall wants us to locate a greater power or strength.
Consider the faithful and generous steward. On which might should he or she depend? That’s our focus here. It starts with believing that God is all powerful and relying on or literally resting in His might and not our own.
Here would be the test. Ask yourself this question.
On what might do you rely on to do good or to find rest? Only you can answer. Often we as Christians function on feeble capacity because we are strong in our own resources and capacities.
How does the Scripture and Gurnall’s words challenge you on this Palm Sunday?
When our Lord entered Jerusalem and embarked on the activities of Passion Week or Holy Week, He did it relying on God’s might. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead (cf. Romans 8:11) can empower us for every good work.