December 7, 2023

Ephesians 1: 18-19 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. (NIV)

Jesus knew well the shallow effect of miracles . . . they attracted crowds, yes, but rarely encouraged long-term faithfulness. He was bringing a hard message of obedience and sacrifice, not a sideshow for gawkers and sensation-seekers.*

What comes to mind when you think about Christ’s great power? Are you reminded of his dominion over nature? Do you recall his authority over food and drink? What about his ability to heal birth defects and cure incurable diseases? Are these the best examples of his “incomparably great power”?

One writer has observed, “Whenever Paul thought about Christ’s power, he always thought about the resurrection.”* I can’t vouch for what went on in the mind of the apostle, but it sounds like it should be true – of Paul and of us. Jesus didn’t come to earth to calm storms or provide picnic food or even to heal the sick. He came to save us. And he didn’t do that with circus tricks but by overcoming death.

In today’s passage, we see that Paul prayed for his readers to recognize the power of Christ and what it means to them (us) personally. He would have us to know the hope that, through that power over death, we are able to participate in the “riches of his glorious inheritance.” Miracles have their place, but victory over death trumps them all.

Does it matter that Jesus rose from the dead? Nothing matters more.*