Raised Up with Christ

But God made us alive together with Christ, raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in heavenly places. (Eph. 2:5-6)

Eph 2:1-10; Ps. 119:50; John 5:21; Col. 3:1

What Is God Saying?

This is a foretaste of what life will be like in Heaven and what it can be now. Paul reminds us that we are not only delivered from death but also given life right now within our grasp because we are in His grasp. It is part of God's plan.

At one time, we were far off; we didn't want His plan. We were in a state of mind that the more we knew of His plan, the less we wanted it. Once, we were on the side of all who oppose God. The Prince of the power of the air had us tethered. We followed when he tugged. We were part of a crowd headed for death and worse. We mindlessly followed the course of this world (vs.2), the Prince of the air (vs.2), and the desires of body and mind (vs.3).

But God! How wonderful are those words; dead through our trespasses, but God made us alive with Christ. Headed for the worst, but God changed it all into the best. Bewildered and befogged, listless and lifeless, cheerless and hopeless, but God, rich in mercy, out of the great love with which He loved us, raised us in Christ. It is staggering and awesome. But God!

How Does This Apply To Us?

This chapter confirms the privilege and the power of prayer, ‘For through him both those far off and those who are near have access in one Spirit to the Father.’ (vs. 18) God, who speaks to us in His Word, allows us access to Himself through the spirit. We are no longer strangers. (vs.19) Prayer takes on a new dimensi0n when we realize that He wants us to talk with Him as a friend to God, as children to Father, as disciples to the Lord, and even as those who are already sitting with Him-secure, established, and greatly loved, in places (and thoughts) that are heavenly.

We come to prayer with confidence, knowing that our desires, needs, and requests for ourselves and others are of great importance to Him. That's just one more facet of His many-splendored love.

Pray With Me

Lord, I have been delivered from the death that my sin deserves by the riches of Your pardoning grace and the power of Your resurrection. Now I know the glory of life with Christ. I am not merely delivered from death but am given power to live a life filled with His joy and presence.

Raised with Him, I am above the misty lowlands where sight is limited, the confining valleys where the spirit is cramped, and the jungle of striving unto death for fame and fortune that quickly vanishes away.

Lord, beyond living with and being raised with you, I have the most exquisite joy of all: to sit with you in heavenly places, in calm security, in restful enjoyment, in contemplation of Your majesty and perfection, knowing that all eternity is to glorify and to enjoy You, Lord.

Take away every blessing but these, and I will still have all.

In His name, whose resurrection glory has made all this more possible and real. Amen.

Moving On In The Life of Prayer

We can always practice God's presence. We can pray with pressures all around us. Has He not made us sit with Him in heavenly places? Is that a scene of frenzied activity or calm? When we remember that we are made to stay with Him in heavenly places, we can listen to God better and talk with Him more meaningfully. Sit down now and pray with Him.