New Series: Ephesians on Work

With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ….I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:8b-10…18-21)

What is the will of God? “To bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ” (see verse 10). Heaven and earth are not meant to be separate forever. They are destined to be married together, and one day they will be as Revelation 21 makes clear.

What does that future hope mean for our work today? Everything! As those “under Christ” and His authority, we are called to work in a way that makes the world long for heaven to come to earth. We are called to work through the rehearsal dinner if you will, giving a glimpse of the glorious wedding that is to come.

If you’re an entrepreneur, that means you lead your venture in adherence to the Bridegroom’s commands. If you’re an artist, that means you tell stories that cause people to long for redemption and hope. If you’re a teacher, that means you work to develop a hunger for truth in the hearts of your students. All of us are called to work in ways that are so different, so compelling, so exceptional that the world groans for more of the Christ-like qualities that make our work unique.

Sound like an impossible task? It is if we work in our own strength. But as verse 19 reminds us, you and I have the “incomparably great power” of God working through us via the Spirit. The same God who created the heavens and the earth works through you. The same God that raised the dead to life works through you. The same God who will one day finish our work and make “all things new” works through you.

Take a moment to let that truth sink in this morning. You and I have unfathomable capacity to create for the Kingdom. Let us work boldly towards that end, that those we work with would want to see more of our King in this earth.