City Life Starter

Written by Nate Warren

The Word

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 

Ephesians 2:4-7

Reflection

The opening words of this passage sum up the whole Gospel: “But God…” 

I paraphrase: 

“You Ephesians were sinners, but God…”
“You non-Jews were cut off from God’s chosen people, but God…”
“You were doomed to a pointless earthly life and everlasting hopelessness, but God…” 

All of human history hangs on these two words. Why? Because “but God…”  is far better than anyone had imagined! 

Not only did God send His Messiah to rescue His people Israel, but this Messiah was God in human flesh — He came personally. 

Not only that, but His redemption was not just for Israel, but for every nation under heaven, and all of creation, too! 

Not only that, but this rescue plan provided salvation from oppressive empires, and from the powers of darkness – Sin, Death, the satan, demons and principalities, – that humanity had empowered to enslave all of the world! 

Not only that, but Messiah Jesus has been inaugurated as King of everything. This flesh-and-bone human being–one of us–rules the heavens and the earth!

Not only that, but merciful King Jesus has commissioned and given us supernatural power to bring about His purposes in the world through our imitation of His character. We are filled with the same Spirit, the same Power that raised King Jesus from the dead.

Not only that, but the lives we live today are only a shadow of the life that we have in the Heavens, that are still waiting to be fully revealed. Paul explains, God “made us alive together with Christ…, and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” We are resurrection people. Our life is beyond this world. We each have our place of authority in the eternal ruling family under Jesus.

Application

What did this mean for the Christians in Ephesus? It meant the same for them as it means for us–that they could trust Jesus in everything.  Paul wants his friends to understand the profound implications of this cosmic revolution. He may not have known that we would read his words, now almost 2000 years later – but I am sure he would want the same for you and me.

If faced with death — through persecution or plague — Christians are assured of resurrection. As the prophet pondered in hope, “Where, oh death, is your victory? Where is your sting?” (Hosea 13:14)

If there is injustice, then Christians speak the truth in love, shining a bright light where darkness dwells.

If there is division, Christians proclaim and live out unity within the Church, the global community that proclaim Jesus as Lord. They follow the example of the Lord, laying down their rights and forgiving one another, and loving their neighbors as themselves. This Church is the ambassador of King Jesus to the world, inviting all to join God’s family.

If there are attacks from the cosmic powers of darkness, Christians have been sealed by God with the Holy Spirit, and they will hold firm in their faith and the work for His purposes. “No weapon formed against [the servants of the Lord] shall prosper!” (Isaiah 54:17)

Is all of this true of you? Has the power of the good news of Messiah Jesus infatuated your entire life? Do you, like the saints in Ephesus, have a life seated in heavenly places? If you have answered, “no” or “maybe” to these questions, I invite you to pray for God’s Spirit to reveal the truth of these words to you. Ask King Jesus to make visible what is invisible to you, so that you may live an eternal life — starting right now.

Prayer

God of mercy, may your Spirit reveal to me the awesomeness of your plan to save me, and the incredible “beyond” life that you are authoring in me, here and now. Let me be so caught up in Your love that I make Your business my business. May you mold my character so that I am worthy and responsible for the power you have destined me to wield to bring about your plans. Amen.