Read: Ephesians 1:15-23
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him. (1:17 NRSV)
Every day we face a barrage of choices. Our lives traffic in so much information. How do you discern what is true and good and right? It can be overwhelming.
Paul prayed that we might receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation as we run this race. Wisdom is learning to apply God’s truth to specific situations and relationships in our daily lives. Paul is clear that wisdom can be gained only as we come to know Christ (v. 17). There is no wisdom apart from Christ. This is not simply informational knowledge (knowing about Jesus), it is relational knowledge (knowing Christ personally). Only as we come to know Jesus personally can we understand the truth of what God has done for us and the difference it makes in every aspect of our lives.
We also need the Holy Spirit to open or enlighten the eyes of our heart (v. 18). In the Bible, the heart is the seat of the mind, emotions, and will. The Holy Spirit helps us see more clearly the hope to which God has called us, the glorious inheritance that awaits us, and the immeasurable greatness of God’s power for us who believe. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your “inner eyes” so that you might receive Christ’s wisdom for whatever choices and challenges you face today. —Brian Keepers
As you pray, ask God to give you wisdom today as you experience loving union with Jesus.
About the Author
Brian Keepers has been an ordained pastor in the Reformed Church in America for 23 years. He is currently serving as the lead pastor of Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. Brian is married to Tammy, and they have two daughters and a granddaughter.
