July 19, 2019
Ephesians 3:14-21 The Message (MSG)
In the divine plan, the children of God become a family. As family, we are built together by our faith in Christ—the Head of the family. Life with God is all about Christ’s perspective; Christ is embodied Truth. So, Christ calls every follower out of the world and into the work of truth and grace to make us One. “He calls us a chosen people, a royal priesthood; his very own possession” (1 Peter 2:9).
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul encourages his spiritual family in Ephesus to experience the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love; to be strengthened into One whole family by the Spirit. Paul is not praying for the family to experience the same kind of love each follower has for Christ. Instead, Paul is praying for the family to experience the same kind of love Christ has for each follower. Big difference! Christ’s love is devotedly pure, limitless in resources, and comes with a connection to supernatural power. The word power used in our passage is from the Greek word, “dunamis” from which we derive the word dynamite. So, Paul is praying for the family of God to experience the same measure of love and power that is equal to the fullness of love and power found in the incarnation of the glorious Christ. Christ is the embodiment of the Godhead and he makes it possible for us to embody the Godhead, too. Is this how you see your identity? If not, please exchange your wrong thoughts for Christ’s perspective of Truth. “The Lord has told you what is good and this is what he requires of you; to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Ephesians 3:14-21
14-19 My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
20-21 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your limitless love, grace, and power. Continue to help me view life from a more Christlike perspective. In Jesus’ name. Amen.