Power of God Invested in Christ

The Sovereignty of God
The Sovereignty of Jesus

High Priest Forever

Ephesians 1:17-23  The Message

^15-19 That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!
^20-23 All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

For Reflection

The early Church worshiped God and followed Christ.  What about us?  Are we Christ Worshipers or Christ Followers?

Paul doesn't ask Christ to empower the early church.  He asks God to open us to the wisdom in following Christ.  It is God who empowers Christ with boundless energy to drive the church as the central force in the reconciliation of the world. 

Worship God.  Follow Christ with solid trust and an outpouring of love.

Pray

for the skill and insight to apply the principles of love, justice, forgiveness and compassion to the world in which you live.  Pray to live the life God intended you to live.  Pray to follow the Way.