His Power Toward Us

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 1:19-20

Paul wanted the Ephesians to understand the power of God toward us who believe.  This falls into line with what he had previously prayed for them.  He wanted them to know, ‘what is the hope of His calling’ and ‘what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.’  He now expresses his desire that they may know, ‘what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.’  The next few verses, which we plan to consider in due course of time, indicate that this power of which Paul is speaking is the power that raised Christ from the dead.  How does that become important to us?  Scripture tells us that Christ was delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification.  If we understand this ‘exceeding greatness of His power toward us’ then we will understand it in terms of our justification. Beyond that, because subsequent to raising Christ from the dead He seated Him at His right hand. We understand that beyond justification, ‘the exceeding greatness of His power toward us’ involves Christ’s perpetual intercession for us.  This is the power of God in action toward us that gives us a standing before God, and an audience with God which would be utterly impossible apart from His exercising this power toward us.

High King of Heaven,
we rejoice that You are the All-Powerful God.
We praise You that You have demonstrated
Your Power toward us,
in all that Christ is and all that He has done.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning