Friday, January 16, 2015

Today’s Reading  |  Ephesians 1:15–23
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.

God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (NRSV)

Reflection
At the beginning of our first “Introduction to Theology” class, my seminary professor told us, “In this class, we are all theologians.” She went on to explain that theology is the act of speaking words about God and that we were all capable of doing so. It was an unexpected introduction, and she didn’t have to say it. By all accounts, the many years of experience and degrees she held qualified her to claim “theologian” in a way that we could not. But my professor wasn’t interested in a classroom dynamic rooted in “power-over.” She was interested in cooperation and collaboration and mutual participation.

This text from Ephesians is usually read on “Reign of Christ” or “Christ the King” Sunday. It calls upon us to acknowledge the ultimate sovereignty that Christ has over all things. However, Jesus Christ shows us a different example of sovereignty than the typical kingly “power-over” that we are used to. Instead, this supreme heavenly ruler stands in solidarity with the marginalized and oppressed, pushes back against forces of injustice, and willingly enters into vulnerability and humanity and even death to reach us. Rather than “power-over,” Jesus embodies “power-with.” He calls the church and all of us to participate in his holy work as his body in the world. Recognizing the power of Christ doesn’t just mean passive submission to a dominating monarch. Rather, we are called upon to recognize the way that Christ empowers us to join with him in doing justice, loving mercy, and working toward God’s kingdom.

Prayer
Gracious and empowering God, we give thanks for your Son and his holy work of love and justice in this world. We give you thanks that you invite and call us to participate in that holy work. Embolden us to live into that calling with courage and faith. Amen.

Written by Layton Williams, Pastoral Resident

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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