“It seems like a frivolous thing to ask the Lord to help my gelatine to set, but . . . I had the attitude of this whole experience [being] a gift from God,” reflected Kevin Flynn after his Great British Bake Off experience. “Whatever goes well I thank the Lord for, and whatever doesn’t go well I hold onto with an open hand.”
Kevin highlights Ephesians 3:20–21 on his social-media sites as a key passage because he wants to pour out praise to God as the One worthy of all the honour. To God “be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” (v. 21). Kevin wants to use all his words and actions—and all his bakes—to glorify God.
These verses from Paul’s letter form part of a prayer for the Ephesian Christians. Paul desires that they would be strengthened with the power of the Spirit (v. 16) so that, indwelt by Christ, they would be “rooted and established in love” (v. 17). After all, God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (v. 20).
We might not be able to bake like Kevin, but we can ask God to help us serve Him in all our activities. He will fill us with His grace through His Spirit, helping us to bring Him honour and praise.
By Amy Boucher Pye
REFLECT & PRAY
Why is it important that Christians such as Kevin take part in cultural events such as Bake Off? How can you lean on God today, asking Him to fill you with His power?
Creator God, You have made me in Your image and filled me with Your Holy Spirit. Help me to find my strength in You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul’s typical pattern in his church letters was to include a section of teaching (doctrine) followed by a section of practice (application). In his Ephesian letter, chapters 1–3 form the doctrinal instruction, and chapters 4–6 apply that teaching to everyday living. Today’s reading (Ephesians 3:14–21) bridges those two sections and is one of the magnificent benediction/doxology portions of Scripture. In the benediction (a statement of blessing; vv. 14–19), the apostle prays that the Ephesian believers might comprehend the immeasurable love, greatness, faithfulness, and power of the living God. This benediction then becomes a doxology (a statement of praise; vv. 20–21) that finishes with “to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” What an appropriate way for Paul to conclude the doctrinal section of Ephesians by reminding us how blessed we are and how great God is!
Bill Crowder
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