Ewald Schmidt

“That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”  Ephesians 1:19b-21 (NIV)

Our Lord Jesus’ life on earth was a life filled with rejection and suffering. The Son of God changed his heavenly address to be born in a stable. He lived the life of a servant. Even Nazareth where he grew up, did not believe in him as the Son of God (Mark 6:3). He lived a life filled with love, but was crucified like the worst criminals of his time. But through his self-sacrifice he has shown us what true love really means. He died in our place on the cross. Through God’s mighty power he was raised from the dead, and returned to his place of honour, at the right hand of our Heavenly Father. Paul prays that our heart’s eyes will see Christ victorious, our living Lord reigning over God’s creation.

But what does this mean for us as believers? We are followers of Jesus. Paul prays that we will see that we belong to our living Lord, who reigns over all. He has gained victory over every ruler, authority, power and dominion now and forever. Paul said a little more about this in Romans 8. He asked in verse 34: “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”With that promise it follows that no one in the universe, not even death or suffering, will ever separate us from the love of Christ again. He has given us a new status. Verse 37 rejoices that we are now more than conquerors through the love of Christ.

Jesus has shown us a new way of life. He has shown us self-sacrificing love. In his Kingdom we achieve greatness by serving others. We have his commandment to love one another as he has loved us (John 13:34). Loving others brings a life of sacrifice and pain. But following in Jesus’ footsteps we live with hope, for in the end, love conquers all. That is what Jesus is praying for us from the right hand of the throne of God. That we may endure in this world, conquering through love and service to others.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, you have shown us a new way of life. A life filled with loving others, and serving them to show your love. It brings suffering and rejection in this life. But thank you that you open the eyes of our hearts, to see that we are not alone. We are conquerors through your love, and you are interceding for us from your victorious throne at the right hand of our Father. Guide us to live with love, forever. Amen.