20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21)
“to him who is able to do far more abundantly” I limit God. While my lips are faithful, my heart is a skeptic. It is easy to praise Him to others and do the “church” thing. Steeped in Christian culture, it is a difficult not to spew some pithy hollow saying at the drop of a hat. Often we fall into the place where His good will exists, but we ignore His true power. Recently I read how the Christian faith always migrates away from wealth and power. I think I believe this. As we get comfortable, we start the steady decline towards self determination. Our resources insulate us from the power of Christ. And while there is nothing inherently wrong with wanting these things, nor is it wrong to ask God to provide these, our prayers are significantly smaller than the ability of our creator. While we limit God, we also limit ourselves.
“the power at work within us” The Gospel guarantees us His work inside our shallow hearts. His Spirit takes residence in us and moves us to a deeper intimacy with our creator and His created ways of being. We now have access to something bigger than mere ability. We now have access to the power which supersedes all of life. It grants us a backstage pass to the inner workings of a loving God.
“to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus” His glory is reproductive. As the world creates new glories for Him, they spill back into the creation for our Lord is humility personified. True glory multiplies and creates something that glorifies both giver and taker. Be cautious of any church which fails to bleed the glory of God from it’s people. While the glory of man is a one way path toward self, the glory of God is a never ending force that crushes egos and raises saints.
Today, be bold. Pray for more than mere things and achievements. Pray for the unrestricted glory and power of a risen savior.
Matt simon blog 