In the opening of Ephesians, Paul describes for us his prayer for the church. He describes five gifts that he asks his heavenly Father for. Those gifts though are supported by four important details…
…according to the working of his great might… (Ephesians 1:19 ESV)
He doesn’t ask for God to do something out of the blue. He asks from an intimate knowledge of the “great might” that the Father has. This great might has been on display not in theories or ideas, but in practical, right here and right now moments.
In Ephesians 1:20 Paul says this is the great might, “that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:20 ESV)” The same power and strength that the Father used to raise Christ from the dead is the same power and might that he uses on our behalf. That power didn’t simply raise Christ from the dead but also seated him at his right hand. The Father has the power to raise Christ from the dead and also the power to give Christ authority. Certainly he has the power to provide his people the gifts that Paul prays for. This power was on display in the resurrection. This means that it is practical and real.
There are two more details that Paul lays out that give us confidence that God can give good gifts to his children. Paul writes, “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, (Ephesians 1:22 ESV).” First, Jesus has been given all things. Not only does Jesus have authority but he also has power over all things. This authority and power is not just over the world, but in a special way over the church. We can rest in the knowledge of his authority and power.
These things all point to God’s greatness. Because God is great we don’t have to try and control everything. What would it look like for you to trust God’s greatness and relinquish control?
