Week 2 | Thursday
Thursday – Unbreakable
Written by Russ Elam (Jefferson Campus)
Ephesians 1:19-21
” …and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 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.”
What type of images come to mind when you think of power? For me, thoughts about power alternate between things created by humans and the things created by God. I am fascinated by hydraulics and machinery. I find rockets and space exploration riveting. I am impressed by ancient architecture. I become reverent when I think of the Scotland Highlands. I’m awed looking at pictures of distant galaxies. What do you think of when you ponder great power?
As we follow Paul’s prayer, we find him swerving into the idea of power, and it is mainly about the power of God. Paul stacks multiple nuanced terms to encircle a thought about God’s unparalleled and unsurpassed power. In particular, it is the power of God that he expended on behalf of those who would become his children. The passage links this power to the resurrection of Jesus, and indeed, that is the capstone of the plan of redemption. But ponder something else with me, it is the phrase “the great power for us who believe”. The same power that made the stars and resurrected Jesus is at work for our benefit.
First, the power that raised Jesus back to life is exactly the same power that enabled you and I to place our trust in Jesus alone for forgiveness. While the 2nd birth on our end may seem tame (i.e., a gentle prayer, soft tears, etc.), in actuality, God tore the universe away from the clutches of the enemy with a power not seen since the explosive act of the original creation. We made a simple prayer — But through his power universal evil was soundly and eternally defeated! Second, the power which raised Jesus back to life resides in us, enabling us to follow Jesus without failure and overcome the sin in our life. Since this is true, who or what can stand in your way? No one and nothing.
Reflection Questions:
- How does pondering God’s power for me change my prayers?
- How might pondering God’s power in me change the temptations I face?
- Am I able to identify what makes for my weak-faith-thinking?
- With God’s power in you, who or what can stand in your way in following Jesus?
Prayer Prompt:
“Father, my life with you began with a gentle nudge from you. Open my heart and mind so that I might comprehend the power you spent in pursuing and rescuing me.”