Together in Christ 12

As Paul approaches the midway point in his letter to the Ephesians, as he reflects on the glorious mosaic of God's plan for bringing all things and all His people together, and as he verbally realizes what a great privilege God has given him personally in being a part of this plan, he erupts with a blessing to God: 

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Growing up, I can remember my father including these words in his benediction countless times at the end of the service. It is so appropriate for ending a church service because Paul is talking about the place of the church, the body and bride of Christ, in this glorious plan.  Though we are constantly reminded to pray, and should, Almighty God is great enough and wise enough to do far more than we could ask for or even think to ask for.  Though we often think of God doing great things, back then in Bible days, or over there across the ocean in faraway places, we often miss His power at work within us. And though it is so easy to see the imperfections, failures, and ugly side of what we call "church" today, there is so much that God wants, can, and will do to glorify Himself through us, if, and only if, we allow Christ to rule and shine through us today, and each and every day into eternity. Because Paul was able to get a glimse of the glory of the Gospel of God, he was not sapped of strength, hopeless or lethargic; He was full of joy and worship. May the same be true of us today as we look to Jesus Christ, and trust in Him.