“…And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power…” Ephesians 1:19
What does Scripture mean by “…the exceeding greatness of His (God’s power revealed in Christ?” We get some idea of it first by the vastness and glory of Christ Himself, and that which He has not only accomplished for us to redeem us, but that which the Father has provided in Him for our sanctification, and the glorifying of Him on this earth. To the Corinthian church Paul would write: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” (1 Cor. 2:9) It is true that this verse speaks of things to come, the hope set before us in Christ, when we shall be with Him forever. But there is another application to these truths, and it is for those who are still on this earth, and are desirous to follow on to know the Lord, and to glorify Him by working towards the coming of His kingdom, and the doing of His will on this earth.
We discover by this verse in 1st Corinthians that there is a great deal that we do not naturally see. Our vision is so often limited by what we can see with our eyes, rather than seeing the greater picture and blessing, by seeing with our hearts. What is meant by this? Jesus told the Samaritan woman that the true worship of God was not an issue of a physical place, but an attitude of heart which was by the Spirit, and in truth. The whole of the Gospel points to the fact that God in Christ has given the believer access to the very throne of God, and has made every provision that one can come before him with confidence, even boldness. Entering into His presence with thanksgiving and praise, we are called upon to draw nigh to God in “full assurance of faith.” Why? It is because of the eternal value, or worth, and power of the precious blood of Christ which He has presented before the Father in our behalf. Also, we have an eternal High Priest in Christ, who is always praying or interceding for us. And lastly, though equally essential, God has provided the power, and strengthening, of the Holy Spirit, by whom we are enabled to draw nigh in full assurance of faith. But what of this matter of, “…the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward?” And what does the Apostle seek to communicate to us when he writes later in his letter to the Ephesian believers, “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us?” (3:20) The call of God is for the believer to seek Him, to believe and receive from Him, the “much more” in Christ, for the advancement of His kingdom on earth, and the revelation of His glory among men. How is this to be, and how can we practically trust God for these things?
Paul began by prayer, a prayer for the “…Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Christ).” (1:17) Why? God has ordained that His way in dealing with men is first and foremost by the revelation, or unveiling, or making known of Himself. Paul continues: “But God hath revealed them (…the things which God hath prepared), unto us by the Spirit.” (1 Cor. 1:10) He goes on to say, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might KNOW the things that are freely given to us of God.” (1:12) God takes spiritual truth, revealing the meaning and reality of it to the heart…giving one a vision of what He desires to do.
Secondly, Paul prays for power, “…to be strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your heart by faith.” (Eph. 3:16)
Dear Father, Reveal Thy saving strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.