19And I pray that you know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more* than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
In our translations this extract is at the end of a very long sentence, verse 19 is its end. Read the verses again a few times.
Paul prays for the Ephesians and for us that we will be absolutely filled and that we will completely know God’s love.
Paul is lifting the lid on the eternal and present consequences of Jesus’ death at Calvary, exploring how Jesus has opened the way to be in relationship with Him and what that means: the way to God is now open.
But now we can get to God, we aren’t meant just to be there, sitting around in His presence with our mouths open as audience, as observers. No! we have become participators in this wonderful relationship, in this reality. And as we participate, we are filled with God.
I love the mention in verse 20 of ‘Measure’ (meaning the absolutely intended amount of love, power, grace and Holy Spirit that God gives – and it’s a lot!) and ‘immeasurably’ –as if Paul is saying, “It’s a lot so let’s just live in it rather than quantify it – because there is nothing too big for Him to be King of.” Live in the knowledge that He is able to do more.
“More than we can ask or imagine”: I feel this when I see the Insta posts about the BARN, that’s it right there. That’s certainly more*. And when you take time to see His hand in so many parts of your life, that’s more* too. God wants us to be participants, active because of this truth, daring to step out and do because He totally encircles all of it.
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Application:
Write out verse 20 on paper or phone. List below all the situations where you need more* (immeasurably more!) than you can ask or imagine. Tell Jesus you trust Him to do that. Amen
Prayer:
Jesus, once again I am blown away by Your goodness to me. I take Your hand and step out into the wildness that is life with You.