Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Devotion

One day in summer Greek class, Professor Boyce introduced us to “hina” clauses, clauses introduced by a word that most often expresses an idea of “purpose,” often translated as “that” or “so that.” Think of John 3:16, “For God gave his only son, so that everyone who believes …may have eternal life.” I remembered Dr. Boyce’s words when a congregation I served was crafting a new mission statement, and this was the result: “Grounded in faith, gathered in love, and sent with a purpose; so that others may gain the Kingdom!”

But sometimes, especially in the context of prayer, a “hina” clause expresses not the purpose but the “content” of what is prayed for. The writer of Ephesians knows that sense, and uses it well here, praying:
That you may be strengthened in your inner being;
That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
That you may know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge;
That you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Let us believe and trust that God will answer our prayers with all the “that”s.