David Bahn – Reflections

Ephesians 1:15-22

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, ¹⁶ I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, ¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, ¹⁸ having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might ²⁰ that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. ²² And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

On the one hand God extends his goodness, gracious providential care, daily favor, and love to all people. The world spins on its axis. Gravity holds things down. Crops grow. The sun rises on the just and the unjust alike. On the other hand four words should catch our attention in regard to God’s blessings toward his people.

“The immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe” [emphasis added] are a reminder that God takes note of those who honor his Son. God’s power was shown in the resurrection of Jesus. That same power is directed toward us who believe in Jesus. The working of his great might is specially tuned toward those who honor the Son of God who for a while lived on earth, suffered and died, and was raised again from the dead. Now, seated at the right hand of God, he rules over all powers and authorities. His name is above every name.

So when you wish to express distress, disbelief, frustration, or disappointment, don’t use Jesus’ name to make your point. On the other hand, when you go to God in prayer – publicly or privately – invoke Jesus’ name. His name is the name above all names. And when you face challenges that seem greater than all worldly resources at your disposal, remember the power of God that is available to us who believe. When you survey the world around you, and there seems to be no differentiation in blessing or trouble for those who call Jesus Lord, lay hold of this truth: We who believe in the resurrection of Jesus know a power greater than even the grave. It matters that we believe in Jesus. God takes note and will honor the one who honors his Son. That is true in this age and in the age to come.