Word@Work Eph13 - Ephesians 1:19b-21
Published: Tue, 10/14/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
POWER UNLIMITED
Read Ephesians 1:19b-21 That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. (NIV)
Power is either dangerous, or wonderfully useful, or both. God's power is like that too. Dangerous for the devil, demons and all disobedient people: but wonderfully constructive in giving new life to dead people. The most startling demonstration was not in the healing or feeding miracles, nor nature's obedience to the words of Jesus: it was the resurrection of Christ that began the greatest cascade of powerful action since the creation.
Although the cross was the place of atonement, the empty tomb was the place of unleashed Divine power. The early church used the resurrection as the convincing proof of the power of God in Christ. Although Frank Morison's book 'Who Moved the Stone' makes such a compelling case that Frank was converted through researching it, not many Christians discuss the resurrection with their friends. So why not break the mould and introduce the subject ... it cannot leave Jesus as just a 'good teacher'!
His resurrection means that Jesus is alive and therefore it is possible to have a relationship with Him. Such a connection is beyond the wildest of human dreams, because nobody is higher or more important or more authoritative than Jesus, nor ever will be: and we can be His friends. More than that, Paul is praying here that Christians might go on putting their trust in a God who powerfully raised Jesus; not just from the dead, but to a position of supreme authority. Trusting that God should put every weakness in the shade today.
Prayer: Father God, help me to know your power, not so much by my small personal experiences, but by trusting what you have done in raising Jesus to the highest place of authority. In His Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and other languages
Power is either dangerous, or wonderfully useful, or both. God's power is like that too. Dangerous for the devil, demons and all disobedient people: but wonderfully constructive in giving new life to dead people. The most startling demonstration was not in the healing or feeding miracles, nor nature's obedience to the words of Jesus: it was the resurrection of Christ that began the greatest cascade of powerful action since the creation.
Although the cross was the place of atonement, the empty tomb was the place of unleashed Divine power. The early church used the resurrection as the convincing proof of the power of God in Christ. Although Frank Morison's book 'Who Moved the Stone' makes such a compelling case that Frank was converted through researching it, not many Christians discuss the resurrection with their friends. So why not break the mould and introduce the subject ... it cannot leave Jesus as just a 'good teacher'!
His resurrection means that Jesus is alive and therefore it is possible to have a relationship with Him. Such a connection is beyond the wildest of human dreams, because nobody is higher or more important or more authoritative than Jesus, nor ever will be: and we can be His friends. More than that, Paul is praying here that Christians might go on putting their trust in a God who powerfully raised Jesus; not just from the dead, but to a position of supreme authority. Trusting that God should put every weakness in the shade today.
Prayer: Father God, help me to know your power, not so much by my small personal experiences, but by trusting what you have done in raising Jesus to the highest place of authority. In His Name. Amen.
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