The power of God manifested through His servants is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, demonstrating His sovereignty, authority, and ability to work through human agents to accomplish His divine purposes. This power is not inherent in the individuals themselves but is a testament to God's presence and action in the world.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses: One of the most prominent examples of God's power through a servant is Moses. Called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses was equipped with divine power to perform miracles. In Exodus 14:21, Moses stretches out his hand over the sea, and "the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided" . This miraculous event underscores God's power to deliver His people through His chosen servant.

2. Elijah: The prophet Elijah is another example of God's power working through a servant. In 1 Kings 18:38, during the contest on Mount Carmel, "the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench" . This demonstration of power was a direct response to Elijah's prayer and served to turn the hearts of the Israelites back to God.

3. David: As a young shepherd, David was empowered by God to defeat Goliath, the Philistine giant. In 1 Samuel 17:45, David declares, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied" . David's victory was a testament to God's power working through him, despite his youth and inexperience.

New Testament Examples

1. The Apostles: In the New Testament, the apostles were endowed with the Holy Spirit to perform signs and wonders. Acts 2:43 states, "Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed by the apostles" . This power was given to authenticate their message and to establish the early church.

2. Paul: The Apostle Paul experienced God's power in his ministry, often in the face of persecution and hardship. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul recounts God's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness" . Paul's life and ministry exemplify how God's power is made manifest through human weakness, bringing glory to God.

3. Stephen: As one of the first deacons, Stephen was "full of grace and power, performing great wonders and signs among the people" (Acts 6:8). His bold witness and martyrdom were empowered by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating God's power even in the face of death.

Theological Implications

The power of God through His servants highlights several key theological truths. First, it underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to use individuals, regardless of their background or status, to fulfill His purposes. Second, it emphasizes the role of faith and obedience in experiencing God's power. Servants like Moses, Elijah, and the apostles were characterized by their faithfulness and willingness to act according to God's commands.

Furthermore, the power of God through His servants serves as a testament to the reality of the divine presence in the world. It provides assurance to believers that God is actively involved in human history and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. This power is not limited to biblical times but continues to be available to believers today through the Holy Spirit, as they seek to live out their faith and serve God's kingdom.