Tuesday 08 January 2008
- Bible Book:
- Ephesians
"And that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power 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". (v.17-19a)
Background
Some scholars doubt that Ephesians was written by Paul, othersargue that it is part of a letter sent to several Churches but thatonly the letter to the Church at Ephesus survived. Whichever is thetruth, it is clear that this letter is about the glory of God andhow Christians can be witnesses to love.
This passage begins with Paul kneeling before God the Father, anunusual occurrence in a culture where people stand to pray. Paul isreminding us that God is so great that we can do nothing other thankneel. This God is the God of love that is so wide, high, long anddeep that we can only ever know part of it. God is love beyond ourhuman understanding, but not beyond our experience.
Our challenge is to be "rooted and established in love". If we arefollowing Christ then we need to be a light to the nations also.This is not about us being perfect, or rich or special, this isabout being witnesses to this incredible love.
Paul is praying that we, along with all followers of Christ, arefilled to overflowing with the greatness of God. This is an act offaith, an act of believing that God can do more in our lives thanwe can possibly imagine, and of remembering that the glory belongsto God. If we do this then everyone throughout the world and in allgenerations will know that they can be saved by faith inChrist.
To Ponder
How much strength do you find in knowing that Godloves you?
How can you show the amazing love of God in yourlife?
To what extent are you ready to believe that Godwill do more in your life than you can possibly imagine?