Ephesians 1:15-23 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 1:15-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason Verse 16I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. Verse 17I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, Verse 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, Verse 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. Verse 20God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, Verse 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. Verse 22And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, Verse 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Devotion
Right now people in our world seem to be longing for a leader who will unite our hearts and comfort us. I read an article recently in which the author longed for the spirit in the U.S. that appeared on September 12, 2001. Following the unspeakable tragedy of 9/11, there was a brief moment of patriotism that superseded all that divided us. In the face of horror we forgot a few of our other problems. Quickly, however, those old divisions, as well as some new strife, bubbled up with a vengeance. When we seek salvation and unity from humans, we will always be disappointed. With a spirit of wisdom and revelation we recognize that only One far above all rule and authority and power and dominion can truly give us hope. Human perspectives are limited and emotions are fickle. Only Jesus has the power to unite us in hope.
Prayer
Enlighten the eyes of our hearts, Lord Jesus, and keep them focused on you. Give us wisdom and revelation as we come to know you, remembering that above all, you are leading us. Amen.