The book of Ephesians is not written to a small group of people, but rather to the entire body of believers in Ephesus, and much of this book is referring to how The Church should be (all Christians everywhere). Paul says in verse 15-16 "Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and you love for Christians everywhere, I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly," and I would like to extend that to this part of The Body who is online. If Paul was such a great letter writer back in the day, don't you think he would totally be a blogger if he were alive today? I think so. And what an encourager he is -- "I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly." He is such an encourager of Christians. I think so many times, we know that we need to reach out to the poor down at the shelter and to the woman and her children staying at the battered women's shelter. But in Galatians 6:10, Paul also reminds us that "as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to our family of believers." (I just recently saw this and realized how important it is to care for Christians, too...duh, Molly). So, what does Paul pray for when he prays about The Church?
"asking God...to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God." That's my prayer for us on this journey! Lord, I just want to grow to know You more! Because in our growth in knowledge of Him, we can't help but become more like Him. "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light (discernment and understanding) so that you can understand the wonderful future He has promised to those He called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given His people." Paul knows that once we REALLY understand who God is and who Jesus is to us, our lives will be changed. This wonderful future he's talking about is heaven. Don't I know that if I could just catch one little glimpse of what it really looks like, my attitudes, perspectives and actions would change? Yes, but this is where faith steps in, believing in what we cannot see; and Paul says he prays for spiritual wisdom and understanding because he knows that once we Know Christ, our lives will be changed. Look at this...
"I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead." Oh my gosh! This is huge! We have access to this God who has the power to raise someone from the DEAD. We have heard that story so many times, but just think about the incredible amount of power that is! Can you do that? Can you raise someone from the dead? I'm gonna take a stab at this one...no, you can't. But Our God can! And who does that verse say that power is for? "The incredible power for US who believe Him." His power is available to us! What do you need Him to do in your life today? Do you have a relationship that has been ripped apart? He can mend it. Did you lose your job? He can find you a job. Are you lonely? He can fill that loneliness. Because He has the power to raise people from the dead, do you not know that he has power to work miracles in your life?
"Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader of anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ..." We do not need to fear anything or anyone. Our God has the victory and authority over any dictator, or nation, or even satan himself. The deal is already sealed. Now we can rest assured as we wait for Christ's return. You need not fear or worry about any single thing today. God, your Lord who loves you, has got this, and He will protect you and provide for you. What a comfort to know that I can live this day in the freedom of knowing Who I serve. May these truths give you peace today.
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