In the opening chapter of his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul clarifies that we who have believed in Jesus were given a guarantee of an inheritance from God. That promise is a warranted foundation on which can be built a life of hope. I can breathe deeply and rest in that amazing assurance.
But, Paul wanted to build something more on this foundation. So, he prayed for us who believe:
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Eph. 1:18-19a)
He prayed that I not only have hope, but to know hope…have a relationship with it…have hope permeate how I feel and act. The Holy Spirit, by way of this ancient writing, wants me to know the lavish wealth of what it feels like to walk in this knowledge of my Father’s eternal gift. And He wants me to understand the amazing power I live within because I trust him.
How amazing is that power, you ask?
“That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms…” (Eph. 1:19b-20)
Deep breath. Heart, take a look at that power.
Enough said.