26/12/2023
VERSE
Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
INSPIRATION
There is an ancient Latin expression first recorded by Pliny the Elder, where a famous painter asked a local shoemaker to give instructions on a new painting, specifically in the artists’ rendering of a sandal. Duly, the shoemaker made his critique, and the mistake was rectified. Encouraged by his new found power, the shoemaker started critiquing other things in the painting, offering his opinions blindly. Seeking an end to this, in divulging his thoughts on things he was perhaps ignorant of, the painter replied: "Shoe maker, do not look beyond the foot [Sutor, ne ultra crepidam]". This anecdote may illustrate the point that no matter how powerful, successful or rich, no matter how confident we may feel in ourselves and our own abilities, we are but lowly children still in comparison to our Lord Almighty, whose power we only understand a fraction of. We are not the ultimate masters of our destiny, rather it is God who decides, who determines our fates, sometimes above our own understanding.
PRAYER
Lord God, the most almighty! Above our power and into the enteral paradise, You see all we do and are capable of. I thank you for all You have given me O Lord, and pray that even with these abundant gifts I may stay humble within Your presence. For above us, is Your divine plan, and wrong are we to try and deny its unfolding, erred are we to try and deny Your higher power that works within us. Praise be Your name, Amen.