Day 3: Unveiling the Depth of Love
Read Ephesians 3:14-21
"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Consider
As we close out Chapter 3 in Ephesians, let's do another verse by verse walkthrough:
Verse 14: "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father..."
Paul's prayer begins with an acknowledgment of his humble posture before God, signifying reverence and dependence. By addressing God as "the Father," Paul emphasizes the intimate relationship we have with our Heavenly Father through Christ. This personal connection is the foundation upon which our strength and security rest.
Verse 15: "...From whom every family in heaven and on earth is named..."
Paul highlights the universal nature of God's family, comprising believers from all generations, nations, and realms. Our identity as members of this divine family is derived from the Father Himself. As we recognize this unity, we discover the magnitude of God's love, which extends beyond all boundaries.
Verse 16: "...That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being..."
Paul prays that believers may be empowered by the Holy Spirit, dwelling within them, to be strengthened in their inner being. This divine strength equips us to face challenges, endure hardships, and overcome obstacles. It is through the Holy Spirit's indwelling that we experience transformation and growth in our spiritual journey.
Verse 17: "...So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith..."
Paul's prayer emphasizes the intimate union between Christ and the believer. Through faith, we invite Christ to make His dwelling within our hearts. This dwelling signifies a deep, abiding presence of Christ that brings comfort, guidance, and transformation. It is through His presence that our lives are shaped and our hearts are filled with His love.
Verse 18: "...May have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth..."
Paul expresses the desire for believers to grasp the vastness of God's love fully. Its breadth reaches to every corner of creation, encompassing all people. Its length extends throughout eternity, offering everlasting salvation. Its height lifts us above our circumstances, reminding us of our heavenly calling. Its depth reaches the innermost parts of our being, healing and transforming us from within. Exploring the dimensions of God's love requires collective effort as we journey with fellow believers, learning and growing together.
Verse 19: "...and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
The love of Christ surpasses human comprehension. It transcends intellectual understanding, surpassing the limits of our knowledge. Paul prays for believers to experience this love in its fullness, recognizing that it is in the fullness of God's love that we find our true fulfillment. When we are filled with the love of Christ, we reflect the image of God and become channels of His love to the world.
Verse 20-21: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Paul concludes his prayer with a powerful declaration of God's unlimited power and sovereignty. Our Heavenly Father is not only capable of answering our prayers but also surpassing our expectations. His power is immeasurable, and His ability to work in and through us goes beyond our imagination.
The glory of God is not confined to a single moment or generation but extends throughout all time. It is displayed in the church, where believers gather in unity, and in Christ Jesus, who is the head of the church. As we witness God's power and experience His love, our response is to give Him the glory He deserves, both now and for eternity.
Here are a few key takeaways from this passage:
Recognizing our Identity: Just as Paul approached God as a loving Father, we should acknowledge our identity as beloved children of God. This realization helps us find strength, security, and a sense of belonging in our relationship with Him.
Praying for Spiritual Strength: Like Paul, we should pray for the Holy Spirit to empower us in our inner being. Through the Spirit's strength, we can navigate life's challenges and grow in our faith, bearing witness to God's transformative work within us.
Inviting Christ's Presence: By inviting Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith, we cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Him. His abiding presence guides us, comforts us, and shapes our character, enabling us to live out His love.
Exploring the Depths of God's Love: Together with fellow believers, we should seek to comprehend the vast dimensions of God's love. As we journey together, learning from one another's experiences and insights, we gain a deeper understanding of God's boundless love and reflect it in our lives.
Trusting in God's Power: We must remember that God's power is limitless and far exceeds our expectations. We can approach Him with boldness, knowing that He is able to accomplish more than we can ask or imagine. Trusting in His power brings confidence and assurance in our prayers.
How will you lean into these takeaways this week?
Pray
Father God,
Thank You for being You. For being so much more than we could ever ask or even imagine. For caring so deeply that You'd give us Your Son to save us and Your Holy Spirit to transform us. Lord, help me to understand more and more each day how You love us, and help me to love others in the same way. Amen.