The Apostles' Creed - Pt. 19

 

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked 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 one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:16-23 ESV).

 

After declaring that Jesus ascended to heaven, we say, with the Apostles’ Creed, that he is now “seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.” How do you picture Jesus seated in heaven? Do you imagine him lounging in an easy chair, resting from his hard labors on earth? Not a chance. In heaven Jesus sits on a splendid throne at the Father’s right hand, the very highest place of honor. Sitting there is a sure demonstration that he is one with God the Father and deserving the same honor and respect. God the Father has placed all that exists under Jesus Christ’s power and authority.

 

Moreover, as the apostle Paul writes in our reading today, God appointed Jesus as “the head over everything for the church, which is his body.” In heaven, as on earth, Jesus continues his ministry. As the head of the church, made up of his followers throughout the world, and through the work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus blesses each member with gifts to be used in humble service. And with his divine power and authority, Jesus protects his church from the many forces seeking to destroy it.

 

Just as Jesus isn’t resting in heaven, so too we can be earnestly and diligently continuing his work on earth. The same power Jesus exhibited in His earthly ministry is ours in this day as well.