PRAYING FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD -- Tomorrow:
"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." (Colossians 1:9-11, KJV)
Devotion 27 of 32
" . . . according to His glorious power . . . "
When the Lord revealed Himself to Moses, He declared He was "glorious in power" (Ex 15:6). Frequently the Spirit wraps "power" and "glory" in the same sentence (1 Chron 19:22; Psa 63:2; 145:11; Matt 6:13; 24:30; Mark 13:26; Lk 21:27; 2 Thess 1:9; Rev 5:13).
"Glorious power" is particularly revealed through the Lord Jesus Christ. God has always been "glorious in power," but it was never before seen to the extent to which it has now been revealed in His Son. Regarding its nature, this power is expounded more fully in the book of Ephesians. In Colossians THE WAY in which that power is utilized is the emphasis.
In the Epistle to the Ephesians, Paul prays that the eyes of the understanding might be opened to see "what is the greatness of His power to usward who believe," or "what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe" (NASB). This power is now at work within believers, and through it God "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Eph 3:20). But this power has been displayed, unveiling something of its nature.
After praying that the eyes of our understanding might be opened to see the "exceeding greatness" of this power, the Apostle unveils HOW it has already been displayed. " . . . according to the working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, WHEN He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all" (Eph 1:19-23). This is "His glorious power." Behold what it has accomplished!
1. It raised Jesus from the dead.
2. It set Jesus at the Father's right hand in the heavenly places.
3. It placed Jesus far above all forms of rule and power.
4. It put Jesus above every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in the world to come.
5. It put everything and everyone under Christ, subordinating all to Him.
6. In the capacity as Head over all things, God gave Jesus to the church, to supply, protect, and lead it to glory.
This "glorious power," therefore, invaded the regions of the dead, and brought Jesus back. It invaded the area ruled by the prince of the power of the air, as Jesus returned to glory to be enthroned. It subordinated all delegated power, making it subservient to Jesus. It brought honor and dignity to Jesus that is not realized by any created being. It enabled Him to bring many sons to glory.
Is that not a magnificent power? How does it compare with the power made known in the creation? What kind of comparison can be made between this "glorious power" and the power revealed in the flood of Noah's day? Is there any person who does not see its superiority to the power made known when Israel was delivered from Egypt? This is a transcendent power that has no parallel. Through it, God is more fully revealed. The extent of His might and influence are more thoroughly displayed in His "glorious power" particularly as it has been revealed through Jesus Christ.
How will such power be employed by the saints of God. To what end or objective is this "glorious power" utilized by those who are in Christ Jesus? That is the point to which Paul now addresses himself. The same power required to raise and exalt Jesus is required for the accomplishment of these objectives. Therefore, it should be obvious that there is difficulty associated with their attainment.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me to see more fully how Your power works within me, then grant me grace to focus my attention on those areas.