Word@Work Eph014 - Ephesians 1:22-23

Published: Mon, 07/16/18

Monday, July 16, 2018

Word@Work from BeaconLight

CHRIST FULFILS EVERYTHING

Ephesians 1:22-23

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. (NIVUK)

Read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: in English, and many other languages

The 1930s and 2008 global banking crises have reminded ordinary people that even the clever people in finance and government are not all-mighty. Only God is! However, although many people might admit that there is someone higher than them, the identity of that God is less than clear. The extraordinary revelation of this verse is that God has invested all His infallible power in Jesus Christ. He was the Chief Executive of creation (John 1:1-3); and is the Chief Executive of the church (Colossians 1:18), which cannot be overcome (Matthew 16:18).

Everything is placed under the feet of Jesus. Everything must either serve Him, or be crushed by Him. It is Jesus who commands all of creation and the church. The miracles of Jesus were a sign that one day the natural order will be totally submissive to Him (Philippians 2:10): and despite all the imperfections of the church (the people who are trusting Jesus), there is plenty of evidence of Christ's powerful authority in the changed lives of believers (Titus 2:11-14).

As believers, we are appointed to be the physical manifestation of Christ's body (1 Corinthians 12:27). Of course, we cannot do it on our own, nor should we think we can. Jesus has promised to give us His Spirit so that we can be His body. He then continues to work in us so that the church is built by Jesus to His plan according to His mighty power (Ephesians 1:19-20). He gives special functions to different people – apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers and pastors (Ephesians 4:11) – so that the whole Body of Christ might become mature and able to work together to represent the Lord Jesus (Ephesians 4:13).

This should encourage us. If we belong to Christ, we belong to the only Person who has the power to subdue all His enemies; and completely fill His friends with His goodness, love, peace and joy. This is true, but do we believe it? Do we go into each day confident of the supremacy of Jesus over everything, including our relatively small circumstances? If not, then today is the day to decide that the Bible is right and that Jesus really is King ... and when somebody notices that you are not shaken by the endemic workplace anxiety or despair, you can tell them why!

Father God. Thank You that Jesus is in command of everything. Forgive me for doubting and trying to take His place by being in command myself. I am so glad to be reminded that You will not allow anybody or anything to be greater than Jesus. Please give me renewed confidence that this is true; and to trust that Jesus will fill me afresh today - so that I can resist fear and serve Him wholeheartedly. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Your next Word@Work will be sent on Tuesday, July 17, 2018