I found myself reading some of Paul’s letters again this morning. As a writer, I’m enthralled by the poignant power of his words. I know the punch behind his pen is not of Paul’s wisdom, but that of the Holy Spirit. Yet Paul writes with such passion and purpose, such heart-wrenching fervor, that I’ve come to the conclusion he had experienced something beyond the average Christian, and it is indeed his experience along with the prodding of Holy Spirit that penned such prose. Life changing prose.
Listen to these words: “I keep asking the God of Yeshua the Messiah, the glorious Father, to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you will have full knowledge of him. I pray that he will give light to the eyes of your heart, so that you will understand the hope to which he has called you, what rich glories there are in the inheritance he has promised his people, and how surpassingly great is his power working in us who trust him. It works with the same mighty strength he used when he worked in the Messiah to raise him from the dead and set him at his right hand in heaven, far above every ruler, authority, power, dominion or any other name that can be named either in the ‘olan hazeh or in the o’lam haba. Also he has put all things under his feet and made him head over everything for the Messianic Commuity, which is his body, the full expression of him who fills all creation.” Ephesians 1:17-23 CJB
There is so much to be commented upon in this text, but my focus remains upon the vision of Paul. What had he seen? What had he experienced that gave him such fervor? He is praying for the hearts of the people to be enlightened. What Paul had experienced had gone passed his eyes and mind to his heart.
I think many of us love the Lord with our minds. That is good, but how much better if we can love him with our hearts– to see Him not with our eyes but our hearts while on this earth. So I cry out to God on behalf of us this morning, “Oh Holy Spirit! Open the eyes of our hearts! Give us revelation of You today! What do you look like? May we get a heart-glimpse of the dimension of heaven? Touch the Church- the Messianic Community that we might really be the full expression of YOU! Give us the fervor of Paul to live for you and not ourselves! Help us KNOW you.” Amen and Amen.
Much love and shalom my friends,
andy
