Doxology

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

 

 

Doxology is a fitting place to end this season of Wilderness Wanderings.  This will be the last of the devotions for a while—and certainly the last of mine (Pastor Anthony).  Perhaps Wilderness Wanderings will continue in time, but before turning to the season of Lent tomorrow, we simply give thanks to God for this good season of a unique ministry of daily devotions.

 

Doxology is a word that means “word of glory,” and in our usage as Christians, generally means we are giving those words of glory to God.  In the letter of Ephesians, this doxology circles us back to the beginning of the letter.  But doxologies are scattered liberally throughout the New Testament.

 

The word glory is scattered throughout the scriptures even more abundantly.  To name a few, we hear that God is a God of glory (Ephesians 1:17), his glory reveals who he is (John 1:14), God gives glory to Christ (1 Peter 1:21) and his people (Romans 2:10); Christians are transformed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18); we are to do everything for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) and give glory back to God (Ephesians 1:6). The new creation will reveal even more glory (Romans 8:18). “Glory” is one of those words that encompasses the whole of Christianity.  No doubt this is why the first question and answer of the Westminster Shorter Catechism says “man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.”

 

Today is the “fat Tuesday” before Lent—a day of feasting before the fasting that has more or less turned in popular culture to a day of glorifying ourselves and our worst desires.  Today is also the day of tariffs (or at least that’s still how the news reads now)—a day when our attention is sucked up into politics and business as we struggle to understand just why exactly friendly neighbours need to be punching one another.  Today is also the final Wilderness Wanderings for a time—a marking of an ending of a season of ministry. 

 

But here’s the thing: no matter the day, no matter the news, no matter the grief, introspection, or self-glorification—each and every day is a day for doxology.  Why?  Because everything that Paul has written in the first three chapters remains true.  Despite American tariffs, is it still true that Christ has ultimately destroyed the dividing wall of hostility between peoples through his cross in his church?  Yes.  Despite our sorrows in parting, has God still blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ?  Yes.  Despite any self-glorification, is it still true that the most important thing about us is that we belong to God, having been created and redeemed to the praise not of our, but of his glory?  Yes. 

 

The fact of Christ Jesus and his church, carrying on down through all the generations faithful and sure no matter what personal or global events raged—this fact is evidence enough of the power of God our Father, who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

 

Join me then today—and every day—in giving glory to God.  In the good times and the bad, in plenty or in want, in life and in death—may God be glorified in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations.  Forever and ever.  Amen.

 

 

For the last time, go now with his blessing:

 

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you.

May he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm.

May he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you.

May he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.