May 21 | Ephesians 3:20-21

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DAILY READING

Ephesians 3:20-21

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REFLECTION

Love Beyond Measure

by Elaine Pierce

As I read these two verses, the well-known hymn "O, the deep, deep Love of Jesus'" came to mind. Samuel Trevor Francis (1834-1925) wrote the lyrics. As a teenager, he struggled with poor health and depression, and one night, while crossing a bridge over the River Thames in London, he contemplated suicide. In that moment, he experienced deep peace and knew that Jesus loved him. He went on to a long career as a merchant and an open-air lay preacher. This hymn continues to be sung around the world.

In today's passage, Paul reminds us that "[Jesus] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." (v. 20) I'm sure you've heard the expression "you can't manage what you can't measure." We all want to be successful in our work, our families, and yes, in our faith. But Paul is telling us that Jesus' love is beyond measure! And he can do way more than we can measure or even imagine! Think about that for a moment.

What is your greatest desire? If you had all the resources in the world, what would you do with them? What would you create? Where would you go? Now, turn that around, and recognize that Jesus DOES have all the resources in the world. He CAN do anything and everything. And, my friends, he wants YOU - and ME - to join him in working toward 'glory in the church throughout all generations, for ever and ever! (v. 21)

Today is our Together campaign Commitment Sunday. What an opportunity we have to bless those who will call UALC their church home for generations to come. What joy it will be to celebrate what God is doing in our midst. Let's claim his promises that he can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, and let's join him in what he is doing in the hearts of our members, our families, and our neighbors.

PRAYER

Lord, your love has no beginning and no end - it is beyond measure. And you can do far beyond our greatest dreams and imaginings. Take our lives, our resources, and our gifts, and consecrate them to your purpose. We love you, and we long to serve you. Amen.