When Rev. Dr. Alvin L. Barry, 10th president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, died in office March 23, 2001, Dean David Smith preached his funeral sermon under the title, “The God Who Is Able.” The text was Jude 24: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy…” It was a wonderfully appropriate text at the death of a faithful pastor and churchman because the emphasis was not finally upon what President Barry had accomplished, but upon what God is able to do. Jude’s words echo beautifully the doxology of St. Paul in Eph. 3:20a (ESV): “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think …”

Notice where Paul puts the emphasis: God is able. We spend much of our lives discovering what we are not able to do. We cannot control tomorrow. We cannot undo yesterday. We cannot conquer sin by our determination. We cannot manufacture faith. We cannot defeat death. And we certainly cannot save ourselves. But God is able.

In fact, Paul piles up the language because ordinary words almost seem inadequate. God is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think. Our prayers may be small. Our vision may be limited. Our faith may sometimes tremble. But God’s ability is never limited by our weakness. And we know this because of Jesus.

God did what no sinner could have imagined. He sent His Son into our flesh, placed our sins upon Him, raised Him from the dead, and through the Gospel gives us forgiveness, life, and salvation. The God who raised Jesus from the grave is the God who works within us through His Word and Sacraments.

That means your salvation does not finally rest upon whether you are able. It rests upon the God who is able. Able to forgive. Able to preserve. Able to strengthen. Able to raise the dead. Able to bring you safely home. So, when your strength fails, remember: His does not. “To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen,” (Eph. 3:21 ESV).

Prayer: Almighty Father, when we are weak, frightened, and uncertain, turn our eyes away from ourselves and toward Your Son. Remind us that You are able to do far more abundantly than we could ever ask or imagine. Preserve us in the true faith through Your Word and Sacraments until You bring us safely into Your presence, In Jesus’ name. Amen.