Now and Later

 

Jesus has been raised from the dead, and set "far above all principality and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:21).

Do you see it this way? I can imagine that if any of us were to write this same passage of Scripture we would probably be inclined to state it the other way around- trying to convince others that Jesus is so powerful, not just later in the kingdom but NOW! But Paul saw very clearly what we all need to better understand.

We are not just holding on until the end comes. We serve a God who already reigns. He has all authority. There is no higher name.

But to natural eyes it does not appear to be true right now. That's why Paul prayed for the Ephesians that they would have wisdom, revelation, and understanding of these truths.

What name is more scorned and scoffed at than Jesus? His name is cursed and taken in vain all the time, and yet His name remains untouched by it all. His name still has power in countless lives and is still drawing multitudes to His kingdom. His name is so powerful that all the opposition from the world cannot bring it down. Many names on earth have been ruined by far less.

Jesus is so powerful that He patiently endures. His people do not go and wreak violence on blasphemers. His coming exaltation before all is a certainty.

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead works "to us-ward who believe" (vs.19). This power will work miracles now and not just later, if you accept it and believe. If the miracles don't always happen, the power will preserve you and establish you even as it has kept His name above all names in spite of the opposition. And when Christ appears, "then shall ye also appear with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:4)!