Pray: Humbly ask God for wisdom. Ask Him to teach you as you read the following section of the Bible.
Read: Ephesians 1:20-23
When God moves us to accept the truth of the Gospel, we're given the mysterious gift of becoming a part of Christ's body; the church. Although nothing on earth can fully represent the things of God, I often think of one of my favorite 80s animated shows- Voltron, Defender of the Universe (and I definitely watch old clips of it on YouTube). Individual characters piloted various vehicular body parts and were often defeated on their own. However, when they all docked to one another, they became an all-powerful super robot, conquering villains everywhere.
Where this representation falls particularly short is that God, Creator of the Universe, doesn't need us in order to be all-powerful (and he's not a robot!). Christ is not busy or anxious, devising strategies to defeat the enemy. He is seated at his Father's right hand, "far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come." He allows us to be part of the body, and we get the honor of advancing his purposes and mission in the world. The head of this body is Christ, and the Father has put "everything under His feet". We can ultimately triumph over anything the natural or spiritual world can throw our way.
I know I certainly feel like a lone Voltron part, disconnected and defeated. I struggle to believe I really matter or that I can battle against sin. Christ says to his disciples in John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Christ's victory, "over everything for the church" provides hope and the power to live life abundantly (John 10:10).
Reflection Questions:
1. Go back and look at verse 20-22 again. What do we learn about Jesus Christ from these verses?
2. Do you believe you have a part to play in the body of Christ? What is it?
3. Is there an area in your life that you struggle trusting Christ’s power and victory? What specifically is holding you back?
4. What would it look like for you to surrender that struggle to the authority of Jesus and live in His power and victory this week?
Memorize: John 16:33
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” NIV