January 6, 2002

BE STRONG IN THE LORD

Ephesians 6:10-14

   "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Eph. 6:10). At length this glorious epistle nears its close. It has presented the length, breadth, height and depth of God's glorious secret, the Mystery once hidden, but now made known. In the whole range of inspired writings none has taken us higher in position or made known such glorious spiritual realities as were beyond all we could have asked or thought. The Lord Jesus Christ is the One Who descended and ascended "far above all" that He might "fill all things." His love surpasses knowledge and His riches are unsearchable. We have received the sacred trust of a precious deposit to guard and a unity to keep. And this heavenly blessedness has come into all of life.

   We are reminded that although positioned in the heavenlies in Christ, we are still on earth and there are foes. They cannot destroy our salvation or our position in Christ, sealed as we are until the day of redemption. But there is still a reward to be won or lost, hence the conflict and the admonition to "be strong in the Lord and in the might of His strength." Philosophers tell us to be strong, and psychologists recommend that we tell ourselves to be strong. But for conflict with "principalities and powers," the "world-rulers of this darkness," we must "be strong in the Lord and in the might of His strength"! We must see that "...no man rob you of your reward..." (Col. 2:18).

   Abraham was "strong in faith," as he considered God's power to raise the dead (Rom. 4:20). For spiritual warfare, we are to "be strong in the Lord..." For endurance Paul could do all things through Christ Who "strengthened" him (Phil. 4:13). For ministry Christ had "enabled (strengthened Paul)...putting me into the ministry (1 Tim. 1:12). Again, "the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me..." (2 Tim. 4:17). And what of the Hebrews who "out of weakness were made strong" (Heb. 11:34). The truth of resurrection is in the context of every verse mentioning God's strengthening his people. What assurance we have of "the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the strength of His might which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead" (Eph. 1:19-20).

Ivan L. Burgener