Tag Archives: power

This Mystery…

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Ever since I was a little boy, I have always loved a good mystery. Whether I’m at the movie theater watching a psychological thriller trying to find out who the bad guy is. Or if I’m reading a well-written novel that keeps me in suspense – staying up well past my bedtime, hiding under the covers with a flashlight to make it to at least the end of the chapter. It’s just something about the way that I’m wired that draws me to a plot or scenario that just doesn’t make sense on a superficial level and attempt to analyze and understand it. That is one reason why I love this particular passage from Ephesians, chapter 3.

1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

You see, in this story, the mystery is not confined to just Paul or the church in Ephesus. We are a part of this great novel! Despite our flaws and shortcomings, despite our non-Jewishness, despite all of the things that Satan may bring up to discount and discourage us, God choses daily to bring us into his fold. How awesome of a story is that? And furthermore, who doesn’t love a happy ending?

When I am Weak

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“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  — 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Generally, I like to brag about the things that I am good at, like mulching (don’t ask).  However, the Bible actually tells us to boast in our weaknesses and difficulties.  Why?  Because when things aren’t going our way, Christ’s power shines through and no one will be tricked into thinking we can make it on our own.  Admitting weakness is definitely counter-cultural in a world of spin and hype, but wow is it refreshing when someone actually acknowledges their own shortcomings!

Power, Judgment, and Hope

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 1 This is what the LORD says:
       “Heaven is my throne,
       and the earth is my footstool.
       Where is the house you will build for me?
       Where will my resting place be?

 2 Has not my hand made all these things,
       and so they came into being?”
       declares the LORD.
       “This is the one I esteem:
       he who is humble and contrite in spirit,
       and trembles at my word.

 3 But whoever sacrifices a bull
       is like one who kills a man,
       and whoever offers a lamb,
       like one who breaks a dog’s neck;
       whoever makes a grain offering
       is like one who presents pig’s blood,
       and whoever burns memorial incense,
       like one who worships an idol.
       They have chosen their own ways,
       and their souls delight in their abominations;

 4 so I also will choose harsh treatment for them
       and will bring upon them what they dread.
       For when I called, no one answered,
       when I spoke, no one listened.
       They did evil in my sight
       and chose what displeases me.”

 5 Hear the word of the LORD,
       you who tremble at his word:
       “Your brothers who hate you,
       and exclude you because of my name, have said,
       ‘Let the LORD be glorified,
       that we may see your joy!’
       Yet they will be put to shame.

 6 Hear that uproar from the city,
       hear that noise from the temple!
       It is the sound of the LORD
       repaying his enemies all they deserve.    Isaiah 66:1-6

The Power of the Lord

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8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof

9 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you.

10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.

11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

-Joshua 2:8-11