Thursday, September 22

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of your Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." (Ephesians 1:15–23)

Have you ever struggled with what you might pray for others? If they aren't struggling with an illness or a relational challenge, we might be at a loss on how to lift up family and friends during those "fine" times.

Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers provides us an awesome example of how to support one another in prayer. I would like to highlight the three main requests that Paul makes:

1. That the Father "may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better." The Holy Spirit receives mention here as a fount of "wisdom and revelation." We understand from the Lord Jesus Christ that the Holy Spirit will guide us into "all truth." This "wisdom and revelation" goes beyond mere factual knowledge, but instead moves into supernatural perception and guidance. As Pastor Scott has often taught, the physical and spiritual worlds intersect, but, without revelation, we cannot understand the spiritual. Paul describes the wisdom of God as "foolishness" to those who aren't interested in seeking it. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

2. "That the eyes of your heart may be enlightened… "

a. Leading to hope, "the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints." This world doesn't offer the lasting hope discussed here. The "glorious inheritance" has a surety and guarantee behind it that worldly promises could never provide. This hope has its roots in God's character and strength – in His perfect love – and not in human performance or brilliance. Instead of anxiety over whether we have "enough" smarts or strength to impress others, God instead has provided everything we need to bring real confidence. We may rest assured in His great provision for us and, from that place of security and wholeness, love others by sharing this truth and blessing them as God has richly blessed us.

b. Receiving "his incomparably great power for us who believe." Paul then reflects for several verses on God's "incomparably great power," explaining that this same power raised Christ from the dead. As we read, there is indeed power in the Name of Christ and in His blood shed for us. While the most tangible and lasting effect of this power involves our being saved (justification by the blood of Christ), it appears that Paul has in mind a broader power. This power unlocks the spread and advance of His Kingdom and carries us into a channel of full engagement and embrace of God and the life He intended for us. It calls to mind a favorite verse: "But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well." (Matthew 6:33). This power allows us to leave behind pettiness and to live and experience true meaning.

Lord God, thank You for providing these three amazing gifts according to Your great plan. May we embrace each one so that we may live completely for you today. Thank You that You have called us and set us aside for Your great purposes. Open our hearts to wisdom and revelation by Your Spirit, and give us a deeper sense of Your hope and a greater experience of Your power – to Your honor and glory. In Jesus's Name, amen.

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