ODJ: Dreams

November 4, 2018 

READ: Ephesians 3:14-21 

All glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think (v.20).

Shortly after he invented the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell reportedly said, “I do not think I am exaggerating the possibilities of this invention when I tell you that it is my firm belief that one day there will be a telephone in every major town in America.” One telephone in every town? If he only knew. Bell needed to dream bigger.

So do we. Paul says God’s “mighty power” can do in us “infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). This assurance may lead us to attempt big things for God—perhaps start an orphanage, refugee resettlement programme or rescue mission for the homeless. Such ministries are great, and we should support them. But these are not Paul’s focus here.

Paul urges us to plunge our hearts deeper into the loving power of Jesus. He prays that God’s “glorious, unlimited resources” would “empower you with inner strength” (v.16). “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” (v.17). Then you will “have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep his love is” (v.18).

It’s good to dream about what we will do for Jesus. It’s even more important to yearn for Him and what He will do for us. Jesus created you, redeemed you and is one day coming back for you. He will return to our unjust world, resurrect our bodies and restore all things. His world-conquering love is in you—right now. So put all your hope in Him.

Then you will “experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (v.19).

—Mike Wittmer

365-day plan: Acts 17:16-34