Far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Ephesians 1: 21 – 23

Either this claim is just hope or it is the most wonderful news ever heard by mankind.  I stand with those who believe it, every word.

What did Jesus accomplish when on earth and what is he doing now? To begin with, he defeated death and was raised from the dead, by the power of his atoning Blood, that is the Good News.  Then he was raised to where he is Far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  I read again, Jesus is now above all rule and authority.  Earthly rule comes immediately to mind.  Jesus is far, far above all power and above all the powers that can be named like individual power, societal power, wealthy power, national or racial  power – all power.

I read History a good deal these days and am impressed by the phenomenal power of people, states and cultures.  What does it mean that Jesus has more power and authority than any power on the earth, both now and in the future?

The Spirit of God prompts Paul to write, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”  Is it true that Jesus exerts his mighty power for one purpose above all, to strengthen the church by living in each believer who is determined to stand with Him?  That is clearly what Paul is telling us.  It is for the church!  Not for any other reason. 

And, behold, I am in the church, in the body of Christ on the earth.  Jesus fills me and my fellow disciples with himself and in so doing moves toward filling everything in every way with his love, justice and mercy, his total person.  What could be more awesome?