Riches in Glory

How often do you feel weak and tired?  Do you frequently wish you could be made stronger?Our Heavenly Father promises that he will strengthen us with power.  But how? God strengthens us THROUGH HIS RICHES IN GLORY.  (Eph. 3:16) So what are these riches?  And what traits make up His glory? The Greek word for riches is ploutos.  This word not only means wealth and riches in the material sense, but also fullness, and abundance, and ANYTHING that enriches. Throughout the New Testament, the phrase “God’s riches” appears repeatedly. Here are the concepts which it describes:At a foundational level, “God’s riches” refer to our redemption through Christ’s blood and the forgiveness of our sins.On a daily basis, we experience “God’s riches” in God’s kindness, forbearance, and patience, along with His wisdom and knowledge.Within the sphere of my spiritual life, the mystery of Christ in me is equivalent to “God’s riches”.Finally, Paul summarizes this idea  of “God’s riches”  as “everything needed for our enjoyment.” (1 Tim. 6:17).  Certainly having a life full of abundance gives us strength.  (John 10:10) The Greek word for glory is doxa.  This word describes several different ideas;

• Doxa means one’s judgment or opinion, usually focusing on praising the person.  This reminds us of God’s view of us as fully acceptable because of Christ’s death on the Cross.

• Doxa means splendor and brightness, like a glorious sunrise or beautiful display of the galaxies. This suggests that our Creator is the Father of Light and energy.

• Doxa means the majesty of the heavenly hosts, including the angels in all their brightness and power.  The angels are God’s messengers and agents for our back-up, protection, random blessings.

 So the big picture of our having God’s riches in Glory is huge.Please meditate on each aspect.  In summary, we are given all that we need to have an abundant life,starting with being made right with God,and then empowered with his energy because Christ indwells us.And if that is not enough,his Holy Spirit and thousands of angelic beings give us protection and see that we are fully equipped to do what God has asked of us. With this picture in mind, my weakness disappears into God’s strength. In Christ,