"Jehovah Of Armies, The Powerful One"

In the Scriptures, Jehovah is called "God Almighty," a title that reminds us that we should never underestimate his power or doubt his ability to vanquish his enemies. (Genesis 17:1; Exodus 6:3) Satan's wicked system of things may seem well entrenched, but in Jehovah's eyes "the nations are as a drop in a bucket; and as the film of dust on the scales they have been accounted." (Isaiah 40:15) Thanks to such divine power, there is no doubt that good will triumph over evil. At a time when wickedness is rampant, we can take comfort in knowing that "Jehovah of armies, the Powerful One of Israel' will eliminate evil forever. -Isaiah 1:24; Psalm 37:9, 10.

The expression "Jehovah of armies," which occurs 285 times in the Bible, is another reminder of God's power. the "armies" here referred to are the host of spirit creatures that Jehovah has at his command. (Psalm 103:20, 21; 148:2) In a single night, just one of these angels slew 185,000 Assyrian soldiers who were threatening Jerusalem. (2Kings 19:35) If we recognize the power of Jehovah's celestial armies, we will not easily be intimidated by opposers. The prophet Elisha was unconcerned when trapped by an entire army that was seeking him because, unlike his servant, he could see with the eyes of faith a vast host of heavenly forces supporting him. - 2 Kings 6:15-17.

Jesus was likewise conscious of angelic support when he face a mob armed with swords and clubs in the garden of Gethsemane. After telling Peter to return his sword to its place, Jesus told him that, if necessary, he could appeal to his Father for "more than twelve legions of angels." (Matthew 26:47, 52, 53) If we have a similar appreciation for the heavenly armies at God's disposal, we will also trust implicitly in divine backing. The apostle Paul wrote: "What, then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who will be against us?" -Romans 8:31.

We have every reason, then , to trust in Jehovah's protection. He always uses his power for good and in harmony with his other qualities-justice, wisdom and love. (Job 37:23; Jeremiah 10:12) While powerful men frequently trample on the poor and humble ones for selfish gain, Jehovah 'raises up the lowly one from the very dust' and 'abounds in power to save,' (Psalm 113:5-7; Isaiah 63:1) As Mary, the modest and unassuming mother of Jesus, understood, "the powerful One" unselfishly exercising his power in behalf of those who fear him, humbling the haughty and exalting the lowly. -Luke 1:46-53.

Next time: Jehovah Reveals His Power To His Servants

Awake, 2000