“and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” (Ephesians 1: 19-21 NKJV)
This is a wonderful verse to commit to memory. Why? It’s not a verse that you will see on a meme on Facebook. It’s probably not one that a sermon will be built around at your church on Sunday. In fact, it is part of a greeting in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. So why would I say that this is a good verse to commit to memory?
Reading Paul’s letters to the churches might give one the impression that Paul was a man given to many words and flourishes. Every single letter to the churches begins with lengthy greetings. Whether he is writing to them in gladness, comfort, or in chastisement Paul always gives a message in his greeting. In 1st Corinthians he reminds the Church at Corinth that every blessing and their salvation came from God because they were divided as a church. The Church at Galatia received chastisement for turning away from God.
So what does this have to do with the verse above? Paul was writing to the Ephesians and praising them for following the teachings of Christ and holding steady in their faith. Paul is reminding them in a unique way, exactly what kind of God they are serving. A God that raised his Son from the dead and placed him in heaven at his right hand and a Son that has been placed above all. He is above all principalities and powers. He is higher than the mightiest. His name is exalted above all names for all time. That is what Paul is reminding the Ephesians of and that is why this is a wonderful verse to memorize. There is power in remembering the God we serve and the Son who gave us salvation. This is a perfect example of praising God that I spoke of in Manna Monday #27. Learn to praise God and allow yourself to be reminded of the God that we serve, a God that as Paul said, is above all powers and principalities. A God who’s name is above all names and who, through his power, caused his Son to be risen from the dead. That’s a powerful God. That’s a God I want to serve. How about you?
Have a great day and God bless.