Dear Church Family,
You may be wondering when the virus crisis will be over. This can almost be seen as a parallel to the question of when Jesus will return. Our Lord Himself said in Matthew 24:36, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” In the same way that we look forward to the Second Coming and God’s perfect timing in that glorious event, we can rest secure knowing that the current crisis will end at the time God – not the virus – has ordained. The news today reports the “curve is flattening”, but we want assurance that things will be okay or normal soon.
In the mean time we keep wondering what God is doing. Ephesians 1:19-23 allows us to live with confidence today and in the future because of what God has already done. This is part of a prayer that Paul offered for the beloved church in Ephesus where he had ministered for three years. His purpose for the prayer comes in verse 18 “that you may know the hope to which He has called you.” God’s people have hope because of who God is (character) and what He has done (action). God’s almighty power forms the ‘character foundation’ to establish the certainty of the deeds that He has done.
Paul states without qualification in verse 20 that God has raised Jesus “from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms.” He then avers that Jesus’ rule remains greater than any human authority and continues without end “not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” Jesus does not face term limits in his sovereign rule. The evil one has tried in vain since the Garden of Eden (and earlier) to take power from Jesus. Our sense of entitlement or autonomy (self-rule) also seeks to place ourselves above the kingly rule of Jesus.
In the preface to the Great Commission Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” Then He gives the mandate for His people to make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:20 closes with the assurance that Jesus’ rule will not end, “And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Paul’s prayer concludes with more reason for hope – again with what that God has done. “God placed ALL THINGS under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.” Jesus rules and controls all things. Paul restates this by using “everything in every way” to drive home the absolute certainty of this fact.
Sophia Lee, writing in WORLD magazine, asks, “We don’t know what’s happening, and we’re dealing with a collective grief that we’ve not experienced before. A giant sponge inside us soaks up all the dark news and stories, sinking heavier and wetter with the loss and pain and anxiety and fears. Who will come wring this wretchedness out of us—and when?”
Does Ephesians 1:19-23 answer her question? Absolutely! We have sure hope because King Jesus reigns over all things!
In great hope,
Pastor Gillikin