Ephesians 2:6 – 7 “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”
When I was a teenager, I was selected to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference. On the last day of the conference, Mr. O’Brian himself attended a fancy banquet with all of us, and guess what? Somehow, I ended up sitting right next to the man himself. His famous role as Wyatt Earp was a little before my time, but I had done my homework. I knew I was in the presence of greatness. I was honored and fascinated to be seated with this legendary television and movie icon.
In the previous verses, Paul talked about our status as “dead people”. Just as God raised Christ from a physical death, he has raised us from a spiritual death! And one day, He will raise us with Christ, to be seated with Him in glory. We will be given seats of honor – not because we deserve such honor. God simply loves us.
I love that God raised Christ, and now we picture Him seated. Seated. It reminds me that His work here is done, and now He is resting. And one day, our work here will be done, as well. When that day comes, those of us who have known Him and loved Him and served Him in this life will be invited to sit and rest with Him.
But it doesn’t stop there. We won’t just sit with Christ. We won’t just rest with Christ. While we are seated with Christ, God is going to pull out all the stops, put on the ritz, and allow us to experience the incomparable riches of His grace. Not because we have earned such extravagance. We won’t deserve it. Rather, God just loves us, and He wants to express His kindness toward us.
Dear friends, we won’t experience the fullness of that grace until we are one day seated with Christ. But that doesn’t mean we can’t experience part of it, right here and right now! When we choose to accept the gift of real life that God offers to us through Christ, our inheritance as children of the Most High God kicks into action! Our lives here may not be perfect, but we have access to His peace. We may have struggles, but we will have joy for the journey. We may experience difficult people and situations, but we will also have the overwhelming love, kindness and support of our Father. When we finally get to heaven, we will be with Christ. But until then, Christ is with us.
Either way you look at it, we are in a place of honor.
Dear Father, Thank You for Your indescribable kindness and love for me.
Amen
I always tell people “You never know when you are making a difference in the life of a child.” Your message today proves that point. I am the co-chair of the South LA HOBY (Hugh O’Brian) Youth Leadership Program here in Baton Rouge. Our May seminar will bring together more than 75 high school sophomores from all over South Louisiana. We’ll have an entire weekend to hopefully, influence them to think independently as Hugh wanted to instill in his HOBY ambassadors. Mr. O’Brian is now 82, living in Beverly Hills and is actively involved in youth leadership. I talk to him on a regular basis. You’re right. He is a phenomenal leader and a visionary. So glad to hear that your HOBY weekend had a lifelong impact on you.
Wow, Cindy! That is great! Yes, the HOBY Foundation is a great organization, and makes a positive impact on countless lives. I’m so glad to hear Mr. O’Brian is doing well – tell him “hello” for me, will you?
-Renae
Sophomore, May 1984
Houston
Hi Renae;
How good to be reminded that Christ is indeed with us now, that though we walk through difficult times (though still in His perfect peace), we can be assured that He is in us and with us through it all.
How awesome is it that Christ is sitting-though He certainly isn’t tired or worn out- that He sits beside the Father interceding on our behalf. I find it very comforting in knowing that He sits to pray for me. That is good stuff to ponder indeed.
Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted
Oh! Renae! What wonderful memories! (Don’t blush – How did you get to be so ugly) I, too, am glad to hear that Mr. O’Brian is doing well. I hope that he gets the word that he had great impact on one little 10th grade girl.
Let us SHOW Jesus every day what a difference He makes in our lives.
Thanks, Mom! Yes, you did embarrass me right here in cyberspace.
For those of you who haven’t a clue, when I sat by Mr. O’Brian, he gave me a backwards, teasing compliment: “How did you get to be so ugly?” (said with a wink and a smile.)
HA! I could have asked him the same thing. 🙂
And yes, the important point of the post is that we are honored beyond description to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Good morning, dear one and thank you for this post.
Short and sweet comment this morning cause I am a working girl this week:
The secret to having a taste of eternal life now is to sit in Christ daily.
I highly recommend Watchman Nee’s very small book , Sit, Walk, Stand for a glorious explanation of sitting in Christ even while here on earth.
Here’s just a tidbit: “It is paradoxical but true, that we only advance in the Christian life as we learn first of all to sit down.”
Love,
Jlo