§. 40. Of Gods power a prop of faith in prayer.
HE to whom Christ offered up his prayers, is thus set out, Unto him that 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.1 able to save him from death. This is a description of God, and giveth evidence that prayer is to be made to God, and to God alone. Hereof see The whole Armour of God, Treat. 3. Part. 1. on Eph. 6. 18. § 5, 6.
God is here described by his power, in this phrase, That was a 1.2 able. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gods Power, See The Guide to go to God, or, An Explanation of the Lords-Prays, §. 210, &c.
The power of God is here mentioned, to shew, that Christs minde was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his great extremity, and that his faith was thereby supported in his prayer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God.
Hereby we are given to understand, that Gods almighty power is to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.3 and believed by such as call on him.
It is said, That he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is •…•…∣der of them that seek him, Heb. 11. 6. I may in like manner say, He that cometh unto God must believe that God is able to help him. This is thus expresly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Christ, Abba, Father, all things are possible to thee, Mark 14. 36. So Asa, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it is nothing with thee to help, 2 Chro. 14. 11. So the Leper, Lord, if thou wilt thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make me clean, Mat. 8. 2.
- 1. This is a strong encouragement to go to God. Who will go to such as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 think cannot help them? This was thus upbraided to Amaziah, Why hast thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 2 Chron. 25. 15.
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2. Meditation on Gods power is a strong prop to saith in Gods promise, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 21. Heb. 11. 19.
This is a sure ground of patience, and of subjection to Gods will, Da•…•…. 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Mar. 14. 36. He that knoweth that God is able to do what he desireth, will 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that if his desire be not granted, it is the best for him.
- 4. That we may be moved in our need with boldnesse and confidence to go 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God, and be supported in our distresses, and willingly subject to what God 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and patiently expect the issue which he will give; Let us among other 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of God acquaint our selves with his power. Hereof see The whole Armour of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Treat. 2 Part. 6. Of Faith on Eph. 6. 16., §. 26.