Jessica Albritton, Family Connections Minister LHBC
Ephesians 1:15-23
15 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.
The other day I overheard a conversation about chickens. Someone had recently gotten a few chickens and was inquiring about their care from a seasoned chicken owner… see what I did there…seasoned chicken… I was intrigued by the conversation, who knew there was so much to learn about chickens? The part of the conversation that really piqued my interest was about clipping the chicken’s wings. Apparently chickens can fly. Not very well, and not very far, but they can clear a 10 foot fence if they put their mind to it. That’s why people that raise chickens have to clip their wings. It doesn’t hinder them from flying but it throws off their balance just enough so the chicken thinks it can’t fly. Thus it stays grounded.
In the book of Ephesians Paul expresses his delight in hearing of the church’s faith in Jesus and their love for the saints. Paul goes on to encourage the church to realize and embrace the full power of Jesus. In verse 19 Paul refers to this power as an immeasurable greatness according to the work done only in and through Christ Himself. Christs’ power is a common theme throughout many of Paul’s letters. In his letter to the Romans Paul writes, “the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you.” Paul truly understood the depths of God’s power and expresses numerous times throughout scripture that the power could only come from Jesus Himself.
Acts 1:8 states, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” As a believer in Christ we are given power from Jesus Himself! Paul knew that the church in Ephesus would only be effective in reaching the lost if they understood the power they possessed as followers of Jesus. Basically, until the believers realized their God given power, they would be like chickens with their wings clipped, capable of flying but not realizing it.
A lot of Christians today are walking around like chickens with their wings clipped, not understanding the full power of Jesus that they possess. When we spend time with Jesus He reveals more and more of who He is and forms us into a more accurate reflection of Himself. We also come to understand His power better and what that power can do! We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus! When we do that there is nothing in this world that can keep us grounded!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see the immeasurable power that you possess and so freely give to all those who put their trust in you! In Jesus name, amen!
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.