Unimaginably More – January 24, 2025

Read: Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lordā€™s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledgeā€”that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14-19

Unimaginably More

Family Devotion – January 24, 2025

Devotion based on Ephesians 3:14-19

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

At just age 24, the artist Michaelangelo sculpted Pieta, a beautiful marble sculpture of Mary holding Jesusā€™ dead body. Michaelangelo would have been famous because of that sculpture alone, but later in life he displayed his skill with other artwork, such as the Sistine Chapel ceiling.

At just age 18, LeBron James burst into the NBA and became rookie of the year. At just age 24 he became the MVP. That alone would make him remarkable, but LeBron James displayed his basketball ability once again at the Paris Olympics when he was named Olympics MVP at age 39.

Letā€™s talk about you. How old are you? And what is the most impressive accomplishment you have ever done? Do you think you are capable of achieving anything more impressive than that later in life?

Now consider Jesus Christ. In another devotion this week, you heard how he turned water into wine at just age 30. Impressive! But it was nothing compared to the way he displayed his love three years later. Jesus showed the width of his love as he stretched his arms on the cross to pay for the worldā€™s sins. But Jesus topped that three days later. Jesus showed the height of his power as he rose from the dead. This is why the apostle Paul wrote that God is ā€œable to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagineā€ (Eph 3:20).

And that power is at work within you!

As remarkable as it would be if you had Michaelangeloā€™s power to sculpt and paint, it is immeasurably better that you have Godā€™s power at work in your life. Thatā€™s because Michaelangelo canā€™t paint over your sin, but Jesus has!

As wonderful as it would be to have LeBron Jamesā€™ athletic abilities at basketball, it is immeasurably better that you have Godā€™s power at work in you. Thatā€™s because as long of a career as LeBron James has had, your Godā€™s love for you will last even longer. It lasts forever.

So, fill up on Godā€™s love and strength as you learn his Word and someday receive his Holy Communion. The more you do, the more you will understand that no matter how much love and strength God has already given you, he has unimaginably more in store for you. Heā€™ll show that when he takes you to be with him in heaven and when he raises your body.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, strengthen us with power through your Holy Spirit so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. Make us rooted and established in Jesusā€™ love so that we may give you the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • How old are you and what is the most impressive thing you have ever done?
  • Name as many impressive things that Jesus did for you.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • We believe in a God that is triuneā€”three persons in one God. Here, the apostle Paul lists all three persons of the Trinity. Who are the persons of the Trinity?
  • Even if we feel weak on the outside or feel like we have failed at something, what does the apostle Paul tell us about whatā€™s going on inside of us (vv. 16,17)?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • Explain why Jesus Christā€™s love ā€œsurpasses knowledgeā€ (v. 19).
  • Paul says that God should get all the glory. How can you give him the glory tomorrow?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International VersionĀ®, NIVĀ®. Copyright Ā©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.ā„¢ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.