Hedgemaker Baptist – Exceeding
Using Ephesians 3:20 as a text, we find three superlatives describing the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. His work is exceeding; his work is abundant; and his work is above. Let’s talk about the word “exceeding.” In the Greek language, the word (huper) is a simple preposition that is translated in a variety of ways, but in this text the word is actually used twice in the phrase – once in the beginning of the phrase and once in the end of the phrase. Coupled with the other words in the phrase we have the translation “exceeding abundantly above.”
In the Old Testament, the word “exceeding” is an adverb. God used it with Abraham, when he promised him an “exceeding great reward” (Gen.15:1). He repeated it when he referred to Abraham’s multiplied seed (Gen.16:10; 17:2, 6, 20). Moses used the word to describe the blessings that Jacob received in the land of Egypt. He said that Israel’s possessions “multiplied exceedingly” (Gen.47:27).
The word “exceeding” is also applied to bad things. There is exceeding wickeness (Gen.13:13), exceeding pride (1Sam.2:3), exceeding sin with King Saul (1Sam.26:21), exceeding hatred with Amnon (2Sam.13:15), and exceeding fear (2Kgs.10:4).
The words that Paul used in Ephesians (3:20) remind us of the great promises that God gave to Abraham. He was childless, and God promised him a multiplied seed. His wife was barren, but God promised a seed that would be innumerable like the stars of the sky (Gen.15:5). God was going to take a humanly impossible situation, and make it possible. You may be in one of those “impossible” situations. You may be without blessing, but God wants to bless you. Don’t forget his promise of blessing. Notice that there are human conditions in the verse – asking and thinking. For what are you asking God? What are you thinking about?
In Abraham’s case, God made the promise to him years before it was ever fulfilled. God’s blessings are not necessarily instantaneous, but the principles are tried and true. You will reap what you sow. That principle works with bad things, as well as good things. The blessings will come to the faithful child of God. Keep asking; keep thinking; keep believing; keep praying; and keep being faithful. (LEH)