The Riches of His Inheritance

15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:15-23, NKJV

In these words of Paul, the Apostle, to the church in Ephesus, he hoped that the Christians at Ephesus would know three things: the hope of Christ's calling, the riches of the glory of His inheritance, and the exceeding greatness of His power toward those who believe. Though penned almost two centuries ago, these words still speak to Christians today.

It is not enough just to be a Christian so that we can spend eternity with the Lord. God has a purpose on this earth for His people. He has given each of His children a calling for which He has given them the abilities to perform that calling for His glory.

It may not seem like a great calling to you, but it is great in the eyes of the Lord, no matter what that calling may be. God has placed you exactly where you are and given you the exact personality and abilities to bring glory and praise to Him. Your ministry is right in front of you! The hope of that calling, then, is fulfilled in Christ and will come to an end when He brings you home to Glory!

What are the riches of the glory of His inheritance? What can you take with you into eternity? This life is so short, so fleeting; it is just like a vapor soon to dissipate into the air. Nothing here is worth keeping you from the eternal riches and glory of Heaven. Eternity is forever!

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Psalm 84:10

What about the last point; this is the one we miss: What is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe. Do you realize the power that you have as a believer? What kind of power does God have?

According to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
Ephesians 1:19b-21

Oh how we love power! Look at the stories and movies devoted to power - either having it or trying to get it. The Christian already has access to the power of God - there is no greater power. Often we live in spiritual poverty when we already are rich in Christ! As a child of God, we have everything - and we have access to His power which is above all of Heaven and Earth.

Pray today that you will live in the Riches of His Inheritance, and not in spiritual poverty!