A Very Personal Walk through Ephesians – 20

20. What does it mean to fill the whole universe?

Ephesians 4:7 -10 “However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. That is why the scriptures say, when he ascended to the heights he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people. Notice that it says, ‘he ascended.’ This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.” (NLT)

What does it mean that Christ went back to heaven after the resurrection “that He might fill the whole universe with Himself”? O’Brien writes that it means that God asserts “control by exercise of sovereignty.” God controls “by his mighty rule over all things.” * In the Amplified Bible this concept is described as Christ’s presence filling the whole universe. So the idea is that Christ is present in the whole universe and is in control (sovereign over) the whole universe. 

What does that mean to me? 

• No matter where I am, God is with me. (Reminded of Jeremiah 23:24 “’Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?’ says the Lord.”)
• No matter what my circumstances are, God is in control of them. Not only do I not need to fear or worry, but I actually dishonor Him when I distrust Him. He loves me and He is in control.
• God’s presence (and His love and power and comfort, etc.) are always accessible to me.
• The three bullet points above apply to all people who will seek Him and follow Him. Who can I pray for this morning who needs this reassurance as much as I do? Who can I remind about this today?

Father, I need this reminder. You are present whether I recognize You or not. I want to grow in my ability to sense Your presence and in my ability to trust You quickly when I am prone to try to solve my own problems. Thank You for always being there for us. Amen

*O’Brien, Peter T (1999). The Letter to the Ephesians. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans, p 296.