Ephesians 1:19b, 20: Resurrection Power

Ephesians 1:19b, 20: "These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places ..."

Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers was both precise and powerful. He was very specific in asking on their behalf that God would open the eyes of their hearts and minds. His hope was that they would come to see more fully and more clearly the hope they could count on in Christ. He also asked that they would recognize the vast riches of their new inheritance, and lastly, that they would experience the great power of God granted to those who believe.

At this point every reader would have been so overjoyed at the prospect of the delights and privileges found in Christ that they could scarcely think any more could be added. But amazingly, Paul isn't through!

He now writes that all of these - the hope, rich inheritance, and divine power - are to be compared in scope and grandeur to the mighty work of God in raising Jesus Christ from the dead and restoring Him to His place in heaven. You thing the resurrection was amazing? Guess what: the same power and might and divine work that went into accomplishing this centerpiece of our worldview has gone into creating, extending, and preserving the blessings Paul has just described. He is saying "your hope, your inheritance, and your experience of the power of God are a demonstration of the same strength that raised Christ from the dead!"

As I have been writing these devotionals one thing has happened over and over again. I have been surrounded with amazement. There is no other way to put it. Reading what Paul is declaring, and then realizing that it is true for me has often left me greatly saddened that I haven't appreciated all this to the level I should have. I am so amazed at the expense God has gone to, the depth of love He has shown, and the great generosity He has extended to me. These are epic blessings that Paul lists, and yet too often I forget these treasures are mine, and will be forever.  May the Lord help us all to make these things the place to which we retreat when things in this sad world don't turn out to our benefit. Just know that our Heavenly Father has granted us a rich inheritance, and is working within us through His Spirit to fit us to enjoy it forever. Now that's a hope to cling to.

Hope this helps,

David