Tuesday May 8th, 2018 Ephesians 1:15-23
God?seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. (verses 20-21)
It would be easy to read this verse from the viewpoint of triumphalism: “to the victor, the spoils”; or, the winner writes history. Is this just a case of “my god is bigger and stronger than your god?” This common human idea is so strong that even Christians get seduced by it.
The Christians at Ephesus would have known that the one raised so high was the crucified one. “The immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe” (verse 19) was not shown in magically solving all their problems. They saw Jesus’ victory with the eyes of their hearts. The amazing confidence shown in today’s reading came from faith, not ordinary sight.
It makes no sense in terms of human experience. Everyone loves a winner, right? Winning (or blessing) must be proof of God’s favour.
Christ’s triumph was exactly the opposite. To the world, he looked like a loser. It was self-giving love, not ordinary might, that won the victory. And the one who loved us so is now in charge.
Jesus, you defeated sin and death by dying, and God raised you to the highest place. Help us trust you, our sure defender. Amen. — PS
Contributed by What kind of triumph?
It would be easy to read this verse from the viewpoint of triumphalism: "to the victor, the spoils"; or, the winner writes history. Is this just a case of "my god is bigger and stronger than your god?" This common human idea is so strong that even Christians get seduced by it.
The Christians at Ephesus would have known that the one raised so high was the crucified one. "The immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe" (verse 19) was not shown in magically solving all their problems. They saw Jesus' victory with the eyes of their hearts. The amazing confidence shown in today's reading came from faith, not ordinary sight.
It makes no sense in terms of human experience. Everyone loves a winner, right? Winning (or blessing) must be proof of God's favour.
Christ's triumph was exactly the opposite. To the world, he looked like a loser. It was self-giving love, not ordinary might, that won the victory. And the one who loved us so is now in charge.
