BiblicalInsights.net

Outside the Ohio Statehouse

Ohio’s state motto, “With God All Things Are Possible” was the idea of a 12-year-old Cincinnati boy who began lobbying the legislature to adopt it more than 40 years ago.  The boy’s name is James Mastronardo.  Mastrondardo, at the age of 9, was involved in a class project at school that developed into a petition to members of the Ohio General Assembly to adopt the words he had chosen as the new state motto.  Over a period of three years, he came to Columbus and lobbied for the motto–the youngest lobbyist ever at the Statehouse.  William H. Deddens, a former senator from Cincinnati, helped shepherd the boy’s proposal through the legislature with the support of former Secretary of State Ted W. Brown.  The measure was signed into law by Gov. Michael V. DiSalle effective Oct. 1, 1959.  Gov. George V. Voinovich came up with the idea of having the motto carved in stone at the Statehouse.  The story behind Ohio’s legislature accepting this motto is very interesting.  The contexts in which the phrase is used in Scripture are even more interesting.
      The first usage in the New Testament concerns the miraculous births of John the baptist and Jesus Christ. John’s father and mother were Zacharaias and Elisabeth.  Elisabeth was barren at this time and older in years (Luke 1:7,18,36). God blessed them both by opening Elisabeth’s womb so that she could conceive.  An angel appeared to Mary and told her that she would conceive and bring forth a son and his name would be called Jesus.  The conception was miraculous (Luke 1:35).  Mary wondered how she would conceive since she had not had sexual relations with a man.  The angel replied, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
     The next time we read of this phrase in the New Testament, it applies to the spiritual transformation in the lives of sinners (Matt. 19:26; Mark 10:27, Luke 18:27). Those who trust in riches cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  Jesus said, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle” than it is for a rich man (a man who trusts in riches) to enter into the kingdom of God.  Then, He said, “with men this is impossible but with God all things are possible.”  God can make new creatures out of sinners!  He can change men.  He saves men.
     Another instance where this important phrase is found in the New Testament occurs when Jesus was praying in the garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:36).  Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee…”  Jesus’ statement indicates His knowledge of God’s power.  God has the ability, power, and strength to remove the cup of suffering that Jesus faces.  However, God did not remove it.  God had a greater good in view–the salvation of mankind.
     Finally, there are several passages in the New Testament that declare that God is able.  He is able to subdue even all things unto Himself (Phil. 3:21).  He is able to keep that which has been committed unto Him (II Tim. 1:12).  He is able to succor them that are tempted (Heb. 2:18).  He is able to save to the uttermost (Heb. 7:25). 
     We serve a God of the possible!  Let us live every day with confidence and optimism knowing that with God all things are possible.