Scripture Text: Ephesians 1:18b
that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Ephesians 1:18b
After Paul unceasingly prayed for the enlightenment of the heart of every believer in Ephesus, he, representing the very heart of the One who sent him, immediately revealed the purpose of this prayer where Christians are expected to progress: “that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,”. Immediately, Paul points out another truth or reality that every believer must be enlightened, and that is to know well or intimately the hope that they have, and the infinite glories that they should look forward. And this prayer is vital again to understand, as Paul clearly knows the heart of His Lord/Master for His people – that there would be more hoping in God as our Father! That the richness of the inheritance that He has given to those who are believing in His Son might be more desired and look forward! That the more we look towards our sure end with an unwavering assurance in the promise(s) of God! And Paul never hesitated to repeatedly share this truth in his other epistles, for there is much glory that really awaits every child of God! And this is joy unspeakable, as early as now for those who have an enlightened heart – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us”. Or “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
As this hope and glorious inheritance are prayed for by the apostle Paul, he seeks for us to understand clearly what these are: first, we are inheritors of indescribable glories, because God has made us co-heirs with Christ. Such an amazing grace! Second, these indescribable glories are the very rewards of the Lord Jesus Christ as the only One who has obeyed God perfectly and is now the same reward that shall be received by those who are united with Him! That’s why Paul continues to remind each saint, that they must seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Now therefore, Christians must progress in these – to know more of this hope! Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Dear saint, as you fight for joy in your Christian walk, always make it your aim to have a well-informed heart about the hope of which you are called for, and that glorious inheritance that awaits you! When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. This glory is not about the streets of gold, or diamonds and all those other precious stones, for the joy has always been about the end or purpose of all things – Christ! For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
May your heart, dear saint, be truly captivated by this blessedness that you have in Him, and because of Him! May you find yourself, together with the psalmist, acclaiming, bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits! who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Ultimately, the enjoyment of God in Christ is the only joy and happiness with which our souls can be truly and magnificently satisfied.
Desire to know Him more, who has loved you unconditionally and eternally! Thirst and long for Him! Be in awe of Him—the darling of Heaven! He is all yours… He is all-perfect, all-holy, all-glorious!
Hear this then, dear saint: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Christ is all that we have! Christ is all that we need!
Take heart, dear saint!
Reflect
1. Do you now make it your aim to know more of the hope in Christ in which you are called for?
2. Do you find your joy in the glorious inheritance of which you have been made co-heirs with Christ?
3. Do you desire and long to love Him more, as you ought to be?
Remember
Every blessing from God and our Father are means to keep us back to our chief end—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! Live your life therefore for the praise of His glory, and continue to live out your blessedness in Him!
Read
1 Peter 5:10
Pray
Father in Heaven, I come before You, in the name of Your Son, to continue to ask of what must be part of my progress, as Your child. Make me know more of this hope that I have as you called me. And make me resolved in this, as I unwavering look forward to this glorious inheritance that I have, because of my Lord. Please, Father, draw out affections from me towards this reality, that I may be truly dedicated in purifying myself for Him, as I await this coming glory. Help me to not love this world, as I set my eyes in Your coming Kingdom, that I may truly live like one who is part of it. This I pray, in His name. Amen.
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