Week 2 | Wednesday
Wednesday – On Purpose
Written by Russ Elam (Jefferson Campus)
Ephesians 1:18-19a
“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, 19a and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”
We’ve all lived through verbal metamorphosis, where common phrases change their meaning with time. There was a time that to have it “made in the shade” was a desirable life of ease, “chill pill” meant to calm down, “cat” was an artistic person, and “chrome dome” was a snicker directed at those who are follicle challenged. In a way the Christian scriptures often undergo a similar metamorphosis.
In today’s reading, Paul’s prayer introduces a curious word picture regarding the eyes of your heart. Biblically, this word picture of eyes conveys a dual meaning: 1) an inward vision through which one is capable of receiving and contemplating the insight provided by God and 2) as signifying all-encompassing intelligence when applied to God. On the other hand, the scriptures envisioned the heart as the center of someone’s personal intellect and loyalty. Over both, one’s eyes and heart, the Spirit is shaping us as the new creation much as he did in the original creation.
As Jesus followers, it should not surprise us how much of our life of faith requires persistence, surrender, and intentionality. In our passage, Paul prays for his friends that they might be receptive to receiving God’s truth and contemplating upon the implications of obedience. If we follow in the same direction as he prayed for them, we will find the Spirit’s transformative effect, which is capable of recreating the deepest inclinations of our hearts.
Reflection Questions:
- What have I focused my eyes on?
- What have I let into my heart?
- What thoughts arise as I think about the Spirit’s new creation work within me?
- What is an area today that I need to surrender? Where today do I need to be intentional in my faith?
Prayer Prompt:
“Father, as you speak, may I be quick to listen, quick to obey.”