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Today’s scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Don Clark):
I had to write a Bible study using Ephesians while preparing for my ordination several years ago. Of course, I had studied this letter from Paul to the congregation in Ephesus while in Bible College and later in seminary as well. I have continued to revel in the majesty of this book of the Bible through my entire ministry. What I have learned is that one can never, ever, exhaust one’s understanding of scripture. We can read a section of scripture, and then we can read that same scripture some time later and gain new insights and revelation for our faith journey. The letter to Ephesians is one of those magnificent documents that continues to draw us in.
Paul is apparently writing this letter to some believers to help them understand their position in Christ. Even in these beginning statements of Paul to fellow believers in Ephesus, you can sense and obviously see Paul’s love for these early Christians. He commends their faith and love. This obviously is foundational for our Christian journey. Then he builds them (and us) up by praying that God grant a Spirit of wisdom and revelation in our knowledge of Jesus. Our hearts can be enlightened so we can know that Christ has called us to a hope of a rich and glorious inheritance. Paul expounds on God’s immeasurably great power toward us and in us as believers! How much power? The kind of power God worked in Christ when God raised Jesus from the dead! Is this pouring into your spirit as you read it? Now watch this! In the next few sentences he says something astonishing.
After God raised Christ from the dead, Jesus is seated in the heavenly realm with power above all rule and authority and power and dominion. His name is above every name, and not just in this age but the age to come! Eternity! Then Paul says even more — don’t miss it!
And God put all things under not only the name of Jesus but put everything under Christ’s feet. And here it is for the Ephesians and us as well! God gave Christ as head over all things for the sake of the Church, which is Christ’s Body. And Christ’s Body, the church — yes, you and I — experience the fullness of Christ who fills all in all! Christ is all in all.
Now, in case you haven’t grasped these sentences, let me put it down one more time. We have faith and love as well as a Spirit of wisdom and revelation as we know Christ. Our hearts are enlightened, and we have hope of a rich and glorious future. Why? Because God has raised Christ from the dead and given him power and authority and dominion over all things for the sake of the church. Us! All the promise and power of the risen Christ is in us!
Thought for the day: Who am I in Christ? What does it mean for the fullness of God in Christ to be in me, my all in all? What does it mean for me to be part of this living, breathing church, the Body of Christ? What should be my response as I ponder the power and promise of Christ in my daily life?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.