Some “through the bible” thoughts from Ephesians 1.
Paul ends a long, long sentence describing Christ as “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 one to come” (Ephesians 1:21).
When I worked for Bell Labs forty-five years ago, I found myself in a sea of engineers far smarter than me. They had developed transistors, long distance networks, and digital communication for trips to the moon. It was a privilege to be out of my league for a few years.
From there I found myself at the seminary, surrounded by theologians far smarter than me. As I struggled to parse a Greek word, they read, taught, and preached from the Greek New Testament as if it were their native language. They explained eras of church history as if they had lived back then. It was a privilege to be out of my league for a few years.
Years later I worked out at a CrossFit box, surrounded by athletes older, younger, and in far better shape than me. As I struggled through box jumps and burpees, they flew through thrusters and muscle ups. They flew up and down ropes before carrying crazy heavy dumbbells over their heads the length of the floor. And back. It was a privilege to be out of my league with them.
On the one hand, it’s humbling to be in the presence of those whose abilities are far beyond mind. On the other hand, it’s a great opportunity to learn and be inspired.
It’s good to appreciate the humility of Jesus. He humbled himself and became the lowest of servants. But that’s not the end of the story. He was also exalted to the highest place, to a place of authority far above any other. And not just for a moment. All day today. And tomorrow. And forever.
Plus, he has authority over every other authority, rule, power, and dominion. That includes every dictator, billionaire, influencer, writer, entrepreneur, spiritual leader, venture capitalist, scientist, or AI. This includes those who exist now and those who will exist in the future.
When you think about it, what kind of a God wouldn’t have that kind of authority? Such a God wouldn’t be much of a God.
And yet, we quickly forget that he’s got a handle on things. He has a handle on everything. Nothing – from your health to the stock market to an election – happens outside the realm of his control. Which begs the question, “What are you worried about?”
Are you worried about your health? The country? Your freedoms? Your portfolio? That mole on your back? Your church? Your children (or grandchildren or great-grandchildren)? Your garden? Your neighbor? Your bloodwork? Your schools?
He’s got a handle on it.
Waite for it... 