Reflections on Ephesians Part 3

Ephesians 3:19 “And to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

To know what surpasses knowledge, to understand the incomprehensible —that can only happen if God expands the horizons of our hearts and draws us ever more deeply into the mystery. We’ll never understand until we are in heaven. Till then we wonder at and worship the one with amazing Love!

Ephesians 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”

I don’t know about you, but I can ask a lot of questions, and I have quite a lively imagination. But they are not enough to outdo the One who is able to do immeasurably more than anything I can think of. We aren’t asked to be followers of Jesus in our own strength. Yes, at times it’s hard going, and we pray for strength, faith, help with hard decisions, and help for those we love—Remember, “He can do immeasurably more, and his power is at work within us.” We’re not on our own. We are in Christ, and He is in us, and as our Risen Lord it is his power that’s at work within us, renewing and reviving.

Ephesians 3:21 “To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever.”

This whole passage is like an illuminated manuscript that places the love of God in Christ against a shining gold foil background. And that dazzling gold highlights who God is towards us: Love. Love beyond our grasp but within our reach. Love that baffles the mind, but which the heart recognizes. Love deeper than any needs we could ever have. Love beyond our imagination, but nearer than our own hearts.

So, we make Paul’s prayer our own: May Christ dwell in our hearts through faith, and may we be rooted and established in love, filled to the measure of the fullness of God.

(Part 3)

  
Grace and peace,  

Anita Sorenson
Pastor for Spiritual Formation