“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory…“
Ephesians 3:20-21a
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OCTOBER 16, 2024
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians asserts that God is capable of infinitely more than we can begin to grasp; that He is able and willing to do way beyond what we could even think to request.
In this letter, Paul writes to believers in Ephesus where he had lived for over 2 years, proclaiming Christ and pouring into disciples who were in turn sharing the gospel with others. Acts 19 records some of the impact of God’s working through Paul during his stay in the city:
“Many…who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.”
Acts 19:18-19
In today’s currency, the value of the books would be equivalent to something like $5 million dollars! This was no small shift in the spiritual environment of the city.
In fact, this movement of new Christ-followers radiating throughout the region had such effect that:
“About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way. A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis…called together…the workers in related trades, and said: “…We receive a good income from this business. And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia…There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty!”
Acts 19:23-29
An uproar and near riot ensued. Allegiances shifting to Christ created shockwaves. Demetrius’ fears were not unfounded. Little more than three centuries later, the temple of Artemis would lie in ruins, never to be rebuilt, her name becoming but the faintest echo—while Jesus is now worshipped by the largest, most geographically distributed, most ethnically and culturally diverse “family of faith” the world has ever known.
In closing today, will you pray with me?
Lord God, maker of heaven and earth, open my heart and mind to the reality of your boundlessness. You are limitlessly able. “I do believe… but help my unbelief!” Even as my faith grows, your greatness and goodness will eclipse even my most courageous asks and hopeful expectations. To you be honor and glory, for You are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
- Why do you think the message of the early church was so personally and culturally transformative?
- How are you expecting or asking God to work in your life, or the lives of others around you?
- What is the bravest prayer you can think of? Or a request God might desire or dare you to pray?
Today’s devotion is written by Bill Oberlin. Since 2009, he has served as WBC’s Pastor of Global Outreach supporting our church’s engagement in over 50 nations.
Church Reading Plan: Daniel 1; Psalm 105