At the Father’s Right Hand, Ephesians 1:20

Ephesians 1:20

At the Father’s Right Hand

We are still in the prayer that Paul is praying for all the saints (that includes you and me). He requests that we know the greatness of God’s power that is at work in our lives.

According to verse 20, this power is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

Ephesians 1:20 (NKJV) which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated [Him] at His right hand in the heavenly [places,]

Now, the Apostle is talking about Jesus. We must understand that although I say “the Apostle is talking about Jesus,” God is the One speaking. The Bible was given to us by the Holy Spirit. While the Bible is not a magical book, it is living, active, sharp, and powerful. The words of this prayer take us to the throne room of God, where Jesus is seated on a throne. His throne is at the right hand of God the Father. 

Sitting at the Father’s right hand is a place of favor, but in Jesus’ case, it is much more than favor. Jesus said,

John 10:30 (NKJV) “I and [My] Father are one.”

The unity of the Father and the Son is such that Heaven’s throne is not divided even if there is a right-hand seat. Jesus is God’s unique (or as we know it, “one and only”) Son, and there is none like Him.

To the Jews of 30 A.D., Jesus said,

John 8:58 (NKJV) Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

With the statement, Jesus declares that He is “I am,” which is God’s name. John 1 tells us that He was in the beginning with God, and nothing that was made was made without Him. (In other words, He created everything.)

However, Jesus humbled Himself and took on human flesh, and he became obedient to the point of dying of the cross for our sins. But when God raised Him from the dead, He exalted Jesus. Ephesians 1:21 says:

Ephesians 1:21 (NKJV) far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

We cannot improve on the words of this verse. Jesus is FAR above all powers, all authorities, all rulers, and His name is GREATER than any name that is named.

Why is it important for us to know this?

First, this same power lives in and works in us. We are weak, but He is strong. We make excuses for ourselves, but we lack faith. When the disciples were afraid, Jesus scolded them for their lack of faith. Why do we afraid? Why do we not trust God for everything? Is there anything He cannot do? So, if I am His child, and His power is working on my behalf, do I have anything to worry about? Yet, we get so stressed!

Second, God has given Him as head over all things to the Church. Jesus owns and runs the Church. According to Revelation 2 and 3, He holds the Church in His hands and can plant and remove as He sees fit. He instructs us how we should function as a Chuch. There is nothing in these verses about pews or chairs, hymnals or projectors, the color of the carpet, or buildings. These things are actually important. I am not saying that we should not be careful in what we choose to do with God’s money. However, Jesus’ focus when He talks to the seven churches is their relationship to Him and whether or not they remained faithful to the truth. Did they tolerate bad doctrine? Did they deny the truth under persecution? Were they passionate about Jesus?

Church and our lives are about our relationship with Jesus. Everything else matters. Our families are important, our children invaluable, fellowship is essential, and others are indispensable. But Jesus is and must be first. He is our Savior, and He is also our master, not just boss but MASTER. 

Do we seek Him? Do we obey Him? Do we listen to Him?

Jesus is seated in the heavenly places. We MUST stop seeking earthly things! Jesus said, Seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness. Colossians 3:1 says:

Colossians 3:1 (NKJV) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Why are we so petty, selfish, and stubborn?

We seek the wrong things, and we do not believe (we have very little faith).