Ephesians 1:15-23 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 1:15-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason Verse 16I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. Verse 17I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, Verse 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, Verse 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. Verse 20God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, Verse 21far 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 age to come. Verse 22And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, Verse 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Devotion
She walked from the elevated train platform to the street. The larger than life statue above the door of the cathedral-like church caught her eye. The statue had no hands. It was a defining moment.
For some reason, "I looked at this statue and saw the eyes of Jesus looking at me with compassion, inviting me to come to him. It was then I decided to 'try out this church.' It was the following Sunday that I experienced a new kindling of my faith. Since then I have experienced God's forgiving and loving grace in Jesus Christ. Oh, by the way, I have also discovered that the 'no hands of Jesus' on the statue reminds me every day that I am Jesus' hands sharing Jesus' love and forgiveness in my daily life."
"God's Work, Our Hands" brings life and hope to the giver and the recipient.
Prayer
Gracious God, empower us to be the community of faith that dares to get dirty and bruised hands living out your love in the most unusual places of a broken world. Amen.