Benefits and Responsibilities

When you look over the prospects of belonging to a group, it is would be natural to ask what the benefits of belonging would be. It would be just as fitting to ask what your responsibilities would be. Applying that thinking to your membership in the Body of Christ, what are the responsibilities and benefits? Paul wrote to Christians in Ephesus, and, as you know, we have one of those letters. In it we learn that there are astounding blessings with belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ, and a profound calling that launches our contributions, moving through life.

Below is a portion of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Before reading it, consider first the divine power that went into raising Jesus from the dead and seating him with the Father in the heavenly places. What power could accomplish that? Paul astoundingly declares that that very power is at work in those who believe. Think of it! The Epistle to the Ephesians is fittingly described as a detailed assertion of what it means to be a believer, baptized into Christ. There are blessings and expectations, benefits and responsibilities. Read this passage:

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus…I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 1:15-20)

This is a lesson included in the readings for the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord. Christ ascended so that the ministry of the Church, empowered by the Spirit, could be launched. The good and divine power of God is unleashed into the world through those in the church who carefully take up the blessings they are given and spread them through holy work in their lives. And wow, do we ever need it!

In the world we see horrific tragedies take place. Tragedy evokes a helpless feeling. We feel pulled into sadness. What keeps us from being stuck there? One thing is realizing we have work to do: work to which we are called, and work for which we are equipped. Tragedy need not lead to pointing the blaming finger, nor to attempts of transcendent escape and avoidance. We can work with the Spirit within ourselves, and among those around us.

We do not say merely, “Isn’t that terrible!” Of course, it is terrible, but we have gifts, and every day is an opportunity to use them. If “Resurrection and Ascension power” is at work with you, there are things you can do within yourself, and in life around you. That is the hope to which God has called you. St. Paul prayed strong things for his fellow believers. His hopes now are coming true for you. Rejoice that you are coming to know Christ. Relish that you are given a spirit of wisdom, revelation, and an enlightened heart. Those are fabulous benefits. And with them in play, don’t we have wonderful responsibility!