Under His Feet And In His Hands
Ephesians 1 (King James Version) Pastor Ken Crow
Ephesians 1
1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
15Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Our storm is under his feet.
Matthew 14:24-27 (King James Version)
24But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid
The contrary winds of life come and toss us about . But somewhere in the darkest hour of the night if we trust in him he will manifest himself in the power of his love as our shepherd and protector.
The fourth watch is the darkest hours of the night between 3 and 6 am.
Jesus knows our night . He knows our darkest hour.
Matthew 8:23-27 (King James Version)
23And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
24And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
25And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.
26And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.
27But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
Jesus can provide a peace that passes all understanding. Even our worst storm in life can be stilled by him. Notice the most important part of this is not the storm but who was on board! I like vs. 23 “ 23And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.”
Oh if we can just truly sing that song , Where he leads I will follow!
In Acts 27 Paul knew as the storm raged on the seas to Rome God’s plan was greater than the storm.
God’s plan for your life too is greater than any storm you may be going through today!
The darkness of the night and the furor of the storm may seem insurmountable but we serve a Jesus who still speaks to the winds and the waves “ Peace be still!”
Our circumstance is under his feet.
Acts 16:24-26 (King James Version)
24Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
25And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed
As we praise him and pray our restrictions placed on us by our circumstances our loosed!
The doors that are closed to us begin to open.
Paul and Silas were heard by all in the prison . They were testifying to all in that prison that this situation they were in was under the feet of Jesus!
Look at your neighbor and say “ my situation is under his feet!”
I had band but Jesus has loosed it!
I had doors closed to me but now they are open!
Jesus is walking on my circumstance and I feel the shaking going on!
Oh yes my circumstance is under his feet!
My sickness is under his feet! My infirmity is subject to the name of Jesus!
My finances are subject to the name of Jesus! My marriage is subject to the name of Jesus!
Closing: To have all things in life under his feet I must give my life over unto his hands.
Nahum 1:13 (King James Version)
13For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder.
Matthew 11:29-30 (King James Version)
29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
We must place our life in the nail scarred hands of Jesus Christ.
He will heal all our diseases.
He will be there in the darkest hour.
He will calm our storm.
He will lead us through the valley and take us to the highest mountain.
I feel led this morning to close with the 23rd Psalm.
Psalm 23 (King James Version)
Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
God Bless and Amen.
