Ephesians 4:7-13
Paul is famous for interrupting himself and here we see he does it again - his main point is that although we are united (one Lord, one faith, one baptism...) we are unique in that Christ has given us different gifts. The reason that Christ gives us these gifts is to prepare God's people for service, to build up the body of Christ, unity, maturity and development of the full character of Christ in us.
However, he only gets part way through his point and he takes a rabbit trail (good to know I am in good company!). This time he gets distracted by the word "ascended" in his quote from Psalm 68 (which he uses with pretty shaky hermeneutics but I digress). He reminds us that if Christ ascended, it also means he descended to earth - speaking both of his incarnation and his humility. There is a movement today in Christian circles, especially in the emergent church, to minimize the trancendency of Christ. The rather emphasise the fact of his incarnation - that he lives amongst us, that he was human, that he was relevant and authentic. Paul emphasized both - he never lost sight of the fact that Christ was also raised to the highest place of honour and is seated on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Christ is not just the lowly rabbi, he is the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens in order to fill the whole universe! It is my privilege to serve and follow this King. It is my absolute honour to use the grace he apportioned to me in order to build up the body of Christ.
I also can't help but notice the idea of fullness coming back twice in this passage - Christ ascended to fill the universe and the reason we have been given gifts from Christ is so that the Body may attain the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. I still don't completely understand what Paul is getting at but it sure seems very important to him. In my mind it again points to the incredible responsibility and work that Christ has given to the Church. It reminds me that the Church is not an institution, an organization or a building - it is the Body of Christ on earth and as such should act, speak and live only as Christ would. When the world sees the Church they should be seeing the fullness of Jesus.
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2 comments:
Hey Jer,
You are speaking my language man. You are correct in Pauls balanced perspective of Christ. I do not want to give in to reductionism which I am prone to do, over emphasizing one aspect of theology or Christ. We need to focus on both. Thank-you for continuing to point that out.
I wonder if the fullness of Christ, isn't being like Him, experiencing Him, being empowered by Him, in more complete ways?
Sid
I notice that fullness is becoming a regular theme in this book. I think 3:19 is the best clue as to how to frame it. The depths of His love is the fullness of Him who reigns. This is a mystery to be tackled further.
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