“And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church.” Ephesians 1:22 NIV
The phrase, “God placed all things under His feet,” reflects Psalms 8:6, where David reflects on the honour given to man to rule over God’s creation on earth. This goes back to God’s words at creation, that man would fill the earth and rule it, having dominion over all the animals (Genesis 1:26-28). What the first Adam lost through sin, Christ as the second Adam regained. While the complete fulfilment of these words awaits Christ’s return and final victory over Satan and death (1 Corinthians 15:24-27; Hebrews 2:8-15), His resurrection, ascension, and present enthronement at God’s right hand guarantees the outcome. All things, including the terrible forces of evil in the heavenly places, are under Christ’s feet, even now. Paul adds that God “appointed Jesus as head over everything for the church.” This is the first mention of the church in Ephesians, and it is a major theme of the book. The Greek word translated “church” means, literally, “the called-out ones.” It never refers to a building, but only to God’s people, called out of this evil world to follow Jesus Christ. Paul does not simply say that Christ is the head of the church, but that God “appointed Him to be head over everything for the church.” The idea is that Christ’s ruling authority, His headship over everything in the universe is God’s gift to us, the church. Thus, “The Church has authority and power to overcome all opposition because her Leader and Head is Lord of all” (Francis Foulkes, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Ephesians [IVP/Eerdmans], p. 65).
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord Jesus, may we never forget that You are the Head of Your church.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord Jesus, amidst the struggles of the church may we never forget that You are the Head of Your church, You are the cornerstone of Your Church. AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
Joshua 3
LISTEN TO TODAY’S DEVOTION
If you received our daily emails, please listen to today’s devotion on our website www.ffdl.co.za
On Facebook follow this link to start listening.