Ephesians: His Glorious Richesનમૂનો

Yesterday we saw that Paul’s first petition is that God would supernaturally strengthen the Ephesians so that they can live lives to please Him (vv. 16–17). In Paul’s second petition he takes this further. Living such a life will depend on the Ephesians understanding who they are and what God’s grace has done for them. Holiness is the result of a renewed mind (Rom. 12:1–2). The second petition is therefore that they might be enlightened (vv. 17–19). 

This is the heart of the prayer. Paul is essentially telling them, ‘God loves you more than you can possibly imagine, and He wants you to know it.’ As we contemplate this divine love, we should recognise two things. 

This knowledge will give us a solid foundation amid the trials and temptations of life (v. 17). If we are convinced of the reality of God’s love, we will be like a tree rooted in God’s grace or like a building with firm foundations. This will affect the way we suffer, serve and see ourselves. We are all legalists at heart; we think that God’s love depends on our performance. We need to remind our hearts of the unconditional love of God for all His children. This is the foundation on which we can build our lives. 

Furthermore, Paul gives a staggering description of the magnitude of this love (vv. 18–19). It is: 

• Wide – it crosses time and space to save sinners. No one is beyond its reach or power. God can save anyone.
• Long – it is from eternity past to eternity future (1:4; 2:7). What was God doing in eternity past? The Father was loving the Son; together with the Spirit, they were loving us and planning our salvation. His love makes us confident of eternal bliss in the future.
• High – it brings us into possession of every spiritual blessing (1:3). It takes us out of the gutter and seats us with Christ in the heavenly realms (2:6). 
• Deep – it is as deep as Calvary (Phil. 2:5–11). The greatest distance in the universe is not between galaxies – it is the distance between the throne of Heaven and the cross of Calvary. Yet God crossed this distance to save us. 

Having said all this, Paul tells the Ephesians that this love is beyond full comprehension for mere mortals (v. 19)! It can only be known in the fellowship of other Christians (v. 18). 

Paul’s third petition, and the climax of the prayer, is that they may be filled with God (v. 19). More of this tomorrow!

Reflection

Do you ever doubt God’s love? Do you think God wants you to doubt Him? Do you pray this prayer for the people you love, particularly when they face trials (see 1 John 4:18–19)?