Focused Power

If you need to cut a piece of paper, you simply pick up a pair of scissors and get to work. But what if you need to cut through a piece of steel four inches thick? Easy. Just use water. We’re not talking about using a garden hose. A $50,000 waterjet cutter is an industrial tool capable of cutting through thick steel.

Waterjet cutting requires a continuous stream of highly pressurized water (up to 90,000 psi) and can cut through a wide variety of materials— including wood, rock, and metal. It works especially well on materials that are heat sensitive. Unlike metal cutters, a waterjet never gets dull.

When you focus water under enough pressure, you can cut steel. Laser cutters use focused light beams and can also cut through steel. Imagine what would happen if the Godhead came together and focused their work on a single project? Actually, in the courts of heaven and in the councils of the Trinity, a plan was laid for the salvation of humanity, a plan that required all the focused energy of the triune God.

Though each member of the Godhead is involved in redeeming humanity, the focus of Scripture is on Jesus who “has redeemed us from the curse of the law” (Galatians 3:13). Like the focused power of a waterjet cutter, the cross is a highly focused revelation of God’s love. Through the blood of Christ, we see the intense love of the Father and the unrestrained power of the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah explains, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God” (Isaiah 59:2). Sin created a thick and nearly impenetrable barrier between ourselves and God. The hardness of our hearts seemed impossible to pierce. But an instrument of torture—the cross of Calvary—became the means to cut through sin. Like a focused beam of energy, the love of the Godhead poured itself out to lost humanity, slicing through the thick wall of sin separating us from God.

Apply It:

Sing (or read the lyrics) of the hymn There Is Power in the Blood. Then thank God for the cross that cuts through sin and sets you free.

Dig Deeper:

Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Hebrews 12:2

Key Bible Texts

For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (1 Corinthians 4:20 KJV)