Friday, April 23

Ephesians 1:18-23
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 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. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

As children, we all inherit certain things from our parents. We inherit, for example, certain physical or genetic traits – like red hair or brown eyes. We can also inherit certain emotional or personality traits – like a sense of humor or a quick temper. One day, when our parents die, we might stand to inherit material wealth as well. Here Paul begins to describe our inheritance as the adopted children of God himself.

He says God has called us in hope to a “glorious inheritance” – which refers to heaven itself. We have the great hope of eternal life in the presence of our risen King Jesus!

But even before we enter our eternal home, God intends for his power to be available to us now. We have inherited, he says, “his incomparably great power for us who believe.” He goes on to describe that power as being like the power God used when he raised Jesus from the dead. What can that possibly mean for us?

It means that the same power that brought death to life in the resurrection of Jesus can bring death to life in each one of us! It means that by faith God has given us new life where sin had only brought death to our souls. It means that by his power God can bring joy where there was sadness and hope where there was despair. It means that he has granted each one of us power to withstand the temptations and discouragements of our enemy, Satan. It means that we have the power to endure the trials, pain and hardship that might come our way in this life. It means his power is ours – and it is our rightful inheritance as his chosen children!

The third part of our inheritance is often overlooked. Paul writes, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” He is saying that part of our inheritance is the church! Paul is reminding us that “church” is not a place we go once a week to sing songs and hear (hopefully) an inspirational message! The “church” is something we are. By the gracious will of God you and I have been chosen to be part of his body in the world! We have the almost unimaginable privilege of representing our risen and exalted Lord to the world around us – and to each other.

As you close your time with God this week – thank him for choosing you to be his child! Thank him for your inheritance! And ask him to enable you to experience his power in your life and his power in the church – of which you are a vital and irreplaceable part!

Brian Coffey