Last week, we began a new study on the book of Ephesians. In just the first few verses, we saw that God the Father planned our salvation, God the Son provided our salvation, and that God the Holy Spirit protects our salvation. After reflecting on God’s purpose for us, Paul then prays for the Christians in Ephesus. “Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers” (Eph. 1:15-16). These verses are given to us as a model on how to pray for our spouse, kids, neighbors, nation, and those we are inviting.
The Spirit of His Wisdom
The first thing Paul prays is that God would give them “the spirt of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him” (1:17). “Wisdom” means intelligence in diverse matters and “revelation” means instruction. Paul is laying some heavy stuff on us spiritually and we cannot understand the mysteries of God apart from God. “Knowledge” in this case isn’t just knowing facts, it’s knowing experientially. Some people are always learning but never come to a knowledge of the truth. More than information, we need transformation! You can know about God and not know God. The classic example is Judas. He lived and worked with Jesus for three years. Many Americans have heard the Gospel and were brought up in church. Maybe you know the God of the Bible in your head, but you do not know Him in your heart. God wants us to know Him, have a relationship with Him, put our faith in Him, and love Him.
The Sight of His Understanding
In verse 18, Paul prays that their eyes would be enlightened to the hope of His calling. Having your eyes opened is understanding you have hope. Hope in the Bible is not like we use the word in English. It is not, “I hope Kentucky or North Carolina makes it to the Final Four.” In the Bible, hope means certainty. I am confident of the hope of heaven. Why is it some people go through hard times and fall apart, and others go through similar situations and come out stronger? The difference is hope. We can be hopeful about the past, present, and future because of Jesus! Pray that your neighbors would know Him, that their eyes would be opened, and that they would find hope in Him.
The Strength of His Power
In verses 19 and 20, Paul prays that they would know Jesus’ resurrection power. The resurrection sets Jesus apart from all other religions. Paul did not pray for more power. How could there be more power than has already been given? He prayed that they would know the power they already have in Jesus. In creation, God created something from nothing. In the resurrection, God brings the dead to life! If your life seems like nothing, God can turn it into something! Where sinful choices have brought death and destruction, God can bring life and restoration. God brings strength from weakness. The cross appeared to be only suffering and weakness for Jesus, but three days later He said, “Look at me now!” Life may look like suffering and weakness today, but because of Jesus, we soon will say, “Look at me now!”
The Sovereignty of His Christ
Finally, Paul acknowledges the sovereignty of Christ as he prays. God the Father “seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet…” (1:20-22). Even when things seem out of control, they are under His control. When waves are over your head, they are under His feet! In the end, Jesus wins! If we love and trust Him, in the end we win! Revelation 11:15 says, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” You do not “make” Jesus Lord. He is Lord! Salvation is when you submit and surrender to His Lordship. No sinner is beyond redemption. No saint is beyond restoration. How do you need to pray for yourself and for those around you today?