May 7, 2017: Far Above and Far Below – Jon Gettings

Jesus 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.” This is an astounding statement for Paul to make because in Ephesus there was a lot of power. They were a major player for trade, culture and religion in the empire. However, Paul tells this church that the power of Jesus is “far above” all of that. His statement is an exaltation of Jesus! But, anything that is exalted and held up, can also be brought low and torn down. How?

 

By associating the name of Jesus with powers that are far below him. So many of us mix Jesus and the Kingdom up with empires, nations and kingdoms of this earth. And anytime we do this we subject Jesus’ name to powers that are below him. This is why we must pledge allegiance to God alone – and not to any nation.