God of rest and re-creation, bless and make new the life of this dear reader as they rest in You while reading Your Word; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Ephesians 1: 15 That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the Christians, 16 I couldn't stop thanking God for you - every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. 17 But I do more than thank. I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory - to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, 18 your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians, 19 oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him - endless energy, boundless strength! 20 All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, 21 in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. 22 He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. 23 The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. (The Message).
What have people heard about you? Have they heard you are a person of trust and love? Do they know you truly trust Jesus? And because of that trust, do they know you to be a person of love? Such was the knowledge of the people of Ephesus who were followers of "The Way." The Way was an early reference to Jesus' ("I am the Way, the Truth...remember?) followers. The Christians in Ephesus were getting known for their work for God and God's people. And as Paul heard about this he thanked God and asked God to help them get even more intelligent in their knowledge of God's presence in their lives. He asked for God to give them clear eyes focused on the work they were doing. And Paul knew of the energy that came from God to those who seek to do God's work. There's an often quoted passage in the Old Testament about this (Isaiah 40:31) that speaks of God renewing the strength (energy) of those who trust in Him.
The question can also be asked about how God knows your church. Is it a Christ-centered, Christ-ruled church? Or, it is a family-run business doing business as usual? Sadly, those churches being run in this "business as usual" way will soon have a "Going out of business" Sunday. May it not be so! May it be that God will bring it to one's (you?) attention so that we can once again be the Chuch Christ called us to be.
PRAYER: Loving God, may it not be so in my church or in my life; that I care only about never changing and never seeking to do more. May I seek to grow in You and be focused and strong in You. May it be so also in the hearts, minds, and lives of others in my church. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
