Today’s Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23
I pray 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 his holy people…
Ephesians 1:18
Reflection
Paul in His prayers for the Ephesians asks not for wealth and riches, but for the Holy Spirit, wisdom and revelation to know God better. Paul asks God for the Ephesians to be blessed with the understanding of who God is, that they would know the extent of His Love for His people. In other words, Paul prays not for new blessings, but for an understanding of how richly they have already been blessed by the Lord. Paul doesn’t ask for their comfort, but for their hearts to be reminded of who they are to God. Paul writes that just as our inheritance is the Lord Himself, God also calls us His inheritance. Of all the nations of the earth, God chose Israel as His portion, and as such, invested His whole self into His people, that they would be truly set aside for Him. By Christ’s work on the Cross, God’s inheritance has been extended to all who believe in His Son.
What a blessing to know our great and mighty God, Who has shown us the full extent of His love and Mercy to us through Jesus! What a privilege to be reminded of all that we have received by His Grace! God has claimed us for Himself and has invested in us fully for our undeserved benefit. He takes care to preserve our souls for eternity. He cares deeply for us, His own. Paul desires for the Ephesians to be certain of the Truth that they belong to God, that by faith they have been counted as His portion, His inheritance. This blessing is far greater than anything to be gained on earth. One day, our life here will end, and we will leave behind all that has accumulated of our lives in the world. But the promise of our Lord to all Who believe will still remain: that because we are the Lord’s, we will forever live in the Joy of His Presence.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling me Yours. Thank You for the Work of Your Son Jesus which has claimed me for Yourself. I do not deserve to know You, and yet You have revealed Yourself to me. I do not deserve to know Your Love, yet You have given it so freely. Thank You Lord. As I reflect on the blessing of being called Your child, please help me to recall not only my earthly blessings, but the heavenly blessings You give so generously. Help me to see and remember all that You have done for me, and all that You have given so freely for my benefit. Help me to also give of myself just as freely to You. I ask these things in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Ephesians 1; Ezekiel 4-5; Psalm 150
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