Ephesians 1:15-23
Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. – Ephesians 1:23
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In the first half of Ephesians chapter 1, Paul praises God for every spiritual blessing that believers have received in Christ. God has chosen us, redeemed us, forgiven us, and sealed us with the Holy Spirit. These blessings are already ours through faith in Jesus.
Then, beginning in verse 15, Paul tells the Ephesians that he has been praying for them. Interestingly, Paul does not pray that they would receive more blessings. Neither does he pray that their circumstances would improve. Instead, he prays that they would better understand what God has already given them.
Paul asks that “the eyes of your heart” may be enlightened. In other words, he prays for spiritual sight. He longs for believers to know three things: the hope of God’s calling, the riches of God’s inheritance in the saints, and the immeasurable greatness of God’s power toward those who believe.
How often we are like the Ephesians. We may know the truths of the gospel with our minds, yet struggle to see their significance in our daily lives. When difficulties arise, we forget the hope that awaits us. When we feel insignificant, we forget how precious we are to God. When we feel weak, we forget that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in His people.
Paul reminds us that Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God, far above every authority and power. He reigns over all things, and He is the Head of the Church. The risen and exalted Christ is not distant from His people. Rather, He rules for the good of His Church and the fulfilment of God’s purposes.
Today, let us make Paul’s prayer our own. Before asking God to change our circumstances, let us ask Him to open the eyes of our hearts. May He help us see more clearly the hope that we have in Christ, the riches of His grace, and the greatness of His power at work within us.
Reflection:
In what area of your life do you need God to open the eyes of your heart today? How does knowing that Christ reigns above every authority and power change the way you view your current circumstances?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank You for all that You have given us in Christ. Forgive us for the times we become consumed by our circumstances and lose sight of Your promises. Open the eyes of our hearts to know You more deeply. Help us to see the hope You have prepared for us, the riches of Your grace toward us, and the greatness of Your power at work within us. May our confidence rest not in ourselves, but in our risen and exalted Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Foochow Methodist Church
Click to read passage
In the first half of Ephesians chapter 1, Paul praises God for every spiritual blessing that believers have received in Christ. God has chosen us, redeemed us, forgiven us, and sealed us with the Holy Spirit. These blessings are already ours through faith in Jesus.
Then, beginning in verse 15, Paul tells the Ephesians that he has been praying for them. Interestingly, Paul does not pray that they would receive more blessings. Neither does he pray that their circumstances would improve. Instead, he prays that they would better understand what God has already given them.
Paul asks that “the eyes of your heart” may be enlightened. In other words, he prays for spiritual sight. He longs for believers to know three things: the hope of God’s calling, the riches of God’s inheritance in the saints, and the immeasurable greatness of God’s power toward those who believe.
How often we are like the Ephesians. We may know the truths of the gospel with our minds, yet struggle to see their significance in our daily lives. When difficulties arise, we forget the hope that awaits us. When we feel insignificant, we forget how precious we are to God. When we feel weak, we forget that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in His people.
Paul reminds us that Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God, far above every authority and power. He reigns over all things, and He is the Head of the Church. The risen and exalted Christ is not distant from His people. Rather, He rules for the good of His Church and the fulfilment of God’s purposes.
Today, let us make Paul’s prayer our own. Before asking God to change our circumstances, let us ask Him to open the eyes of our hearts. May He help us see more clearly the hope that we have in Christ, the riches of His grace, and the greatness of His power at work within us.
Reflection:
In what area of your life do you need God to open the eyes of your heart today? How does knowing that Christ reigns above every authority and power change the way you view your current circumstances?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank You for all that You have given us in Christ. Forgive us for the times we become consumed by our circumstances and lose sight of Your promises. Open the eyes of our hearts to know You more deeply. Help us to see the hope You have prepared for us, the riches of Your grace toward us, and the greatness of Your power at work within us. May our confidence rest not in ourselves, but in our risen and exalted Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Foochow Methodist Church