Big Riches of God’s Glory
The things of God are abundant and assemble into glorious things. Lives come to maturity and fruition, his purposes are known as good, joy happens despite lonesome roads, peace in the heart is not thwarted by disease in the body, forgiveness and grace raise the fallen. On and on inklings of goodness are noticed by the discerning. That is the richness of God’s glory.
What must be grasped here is how Paul prays for these things. He is not kneeling before a candy dispenser begging as does a child. He is kneeling before the all-provider, aware and deferential. He frames this manner of God-approach with the word according. The good things of God, the bigness of his glory, flow according to his character.
“I pray that God will take from his rich character and give you of those things.”
Bigness for the inside
Paul does not pray for money-riches obtained in quick settlements as might a personal injury lawyer. It is not about justice or reparations. The pleasure sought from the quick-money is too easily missed or short-lived.
Paul has no motive toward the financial well-being of the Ephesian Christians. His playing field is that of the human spirit. He wants the Ephesians to gain a steadfastness in their heart. There is a bigness, a richness that comes from living like Christ. Our hearts need to be steadfast against things like:
- Judging the school choice of others
- Judging the church choices of others
- Arguing with the refs during a sports event
- Harboring or expressing dishonesty with family, a boss, or a co-worker
- Cheating on taxes or not trusting God with our tithes and offerings.
Live like Jesus; aim for perfection; like Paul urged the two Phillipian women: I plead with you to agree with each other in the Lord (Philippians 4:2-3). The best things come on the inside as informed by the Holy Spirit. Paul knows this and knowing this prays for it, expounds upon it. Read the 16th verse again.
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,
(Ephesians 3:16–ESV)
The richness of God’s character strength yours.
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