SPIRITUAL SIGHT

SPIRITUAL SIGHT

READ:
Ephesians 1:15-21

In Him we have redemption through
His blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of His grace.
-Ephesians 1:7

A prisoner who survived 14 years in a Cuban jail told how he kept his spirits up and his hope alive:  "I had no window in my cell, and so I mentally constructed one on the door.  I 'saw' in my mind a beautiful scene from the mountains, with water tumbling down a ravine over rocks.  It became so real to me that I would visualize it without effort every time I looked at the cell door."

Ironically, some of the most hopeful books of the Bible-Philippians, Colossians, and Ephesians-come out of Paul's house arrest in Rome.  The letter to the Ephesians gives a hint as to what the apostle Paul saw when he thought about life beyond his place of confinement.

First he saw the spiritual growth in the churches he left behind.  This book opens with a burst of thanksgiving for the vitality of the Ephesian church (Ephesians 1:15-16).  Then he sought to open the eyes of their hearts to even more exalted sights:  the "exceeding riches" of God's grace (2:7).  When Paul cranks up the volume to express God's plan of love, not one low, mournful note sneaks in. 

If you feel discouraged or question whether the Christian life is worth it, Ephesians proves to be a great tonic.  It prescribes the riches in Christ available to all.  -Philip Yancey

Heavenly Father, thank You for the staggering
good news of the riches of Your infinite grace.
Thank You for the encouragement and hope
we find in Ephesians. Amen.
**************************************
No one is hopeless whose hope is in God
and His Word.

INSIGHT
Today's passage presents Paul's prayer for the Ephesian believers.  Prayer is a powerful tool that the believer should use often.  Paul encourages them by reminding them that they pray to a powerful God.  The same power that raised Christ from the dead and placed Him in authority over all other authorities is available to believers (v..19-20).  Rather than being intimidating, His authority is inviting, and we can pray with confidence knowing that He hears and has the power to answer (Hebrews 4:16).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace