“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10 NLT
This wasn’t a postscript, that is – an afterthought. One might argue that this was the thesis statement/segment of the letter to the Church at Ephesus. Yes, indeed. I base my argument on the belief that a person’s last words are usually etched on our minds long after they’re gone. And so we often sit up and take notice when we hear ‘finally’.
[I know, nowadays ‘finally’ is oft misused and abused; but let’s go with the original response]
So in this letter to an out of many church, trying to be ‘One Community’ in Christ; Paul’s ‘and finally’ comment was likely to give a moment’s pause. A profound message should follow
Be strong in the Lord and in the force of the Lord’s might.
Find your own power in God’s might and greatness. That is the final word. The bits which follow are explanatory notes.
That suggests to me that what we see in ourselves and others is nothing compared to God’s might and greatness. Our strength, our importance rests in God being in us, and not being on The Who’s Who. Our power is not in the natural; it lies in God. We can choose to operate in God’s might and greatness which is legitimate force on earth and in God’s realm.
So whatever we are facing which seems overwhelming; we are reassured by the knowledge that our God is greater. Even if it has our back up against the wall. By God’s power we can overcome any adversity.
So finally, let us embrace the opportunity to overcome through God’s power and by God’s mercy.
