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
One of the greatest joys of ministry comes whenever one gets to hear the story of a person’s faith in the Lord Jesus and their love toward others. One day a parishioner asked me if I’d bless his garden. Thinking he meant a small backyard garden, I said I’d be honored to offer a blessing. Arriving at his garden, I discovered that he had bought a few acres of land and proceeded to build warehouse-style buildings on it for his business. But he proceeded to plant fruit trees, grape vines, and vegetables, which each year produced thousands of pounds of food which was then given to the local food bank for distribution to those in need. He shared the story of how he cherished the faith his parents passed on to him. Above all, he gave thanks to God, the giver of all good gifts, and to the Lord Jesus Christ, whose name is above every name.
Prayer
Holy God, give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation as we come to know Christ, so that with the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we may know what is the hope to which you have called us, so that the living of our lives may reflect your glory. Amen.