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In Genesis 4, we learn of the descendants of Cain who established a city and developed instruments of war. A particularly vile descendant of Cain was Lamech who said to his wives:
“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say:
I have killed a man for wounding me,
a young man for striking me.
If Cain's revenge is sevenfold,
then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold.” (Genesis 4:23-24 ESV)
Lamech took two wives even though God proclaimed that a man should be united with only one, and he declared himself to be greater than God by his vengeance being ten times greater than God’s. Since that time, the world has been filled with those who believe they have great power because of their ability to take human life.
Women feel empowered to take the life in their womb if it serves their needs. Men feel empowered to develop weapons of mass destruction. Nations throughout history have gone to war in the name of their gods or to defend their gods. Pharaohs, emperors, and kings have believed themselves to be gods or sons of the gods because they can take life by speaking a word. Even the devil believes he is powerful because he commands demons and seeks to murder and destroy.
However, the true power of God is displayed in that which brings life and salvation. Israel expected her Messiah to demonstrate His eternal rule by destroying their enemies and establishing His kingdom on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. Instead He demonstrated His power by declaring a kingdom of grace and mercy while He healed the sick, raised the dead, and offered His own life as a ransom for many.
If we want to discern the will of God and true freedom, we look to those things that promote health and life and well-being. We also reject all of those things that destroy health and life and well-being. True freedom is not found in our ability to sin and debase ourselves but in the righteousness offered by Christ which sets us free from sin and death.
We see the power of God when we focus on Christ and that which is kept in heaven for us: imperishable, incorruptable, and eternal. It’s not in our ability to buy material goods, build large mansions, or appeal to large audiences. It is in our ability to abide in Christ and receive Him in word and sacrament. It is being washed clean of our sins as we are buried with Christ and raised in Him to newness of life.