Devotions this week are based on Week 6 How Would You Answer (WATCH HERE)
Ephesians 1:18-23 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, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Paul begins the letter to the Ephesians with a prayer. He does not first pray that the Ephesian believers would have easier circumstances, fewer problems, better leaders, or more influence in their city. He prays that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.” That is a beautiful phrase because it reminds us that we can see with our physical eyes and still miss what matters most. We can look at our lives, our church, our family, our struggles, and our world, but unless God opens the eyes of our heart, we may not see them in light of Christ.
Paul wants believers to know three things: the hope to which God has called them, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for those who believe. These are not small truths. Hope tells us where we are headed. Inheritance tells us what God treasures. Power tells us what God is able to do. Paul knows that Christians do not merely need more information. We need spiritual sight. We need to see what is already true because of Jesus.
It is possible to live like a spiritual beggar while possessing riches in Christ. It is possible to live timidly while belonging to the King. It is possible to look at the Church and see only ordinary people, imperfect programs, stretched budgets, and unfinished work, while God sees His treasured inheritance, the body of His Son, and the people through whom Christ is filling the world with His presence.
Think of someone standing in a dark room filled with priceless artwork. The treasure is there, but until the lights come on, they cannot appreciate what surrounds them. Paul’s prayer is that God would turn the lights on in our hearts. He wants us to see the Church not merely as a religious organization, but as the people Christ loves, rules, fills, and builds.
This matters for daily life. When you feel discouraged, you need the eyes of your heart opened to hope. When you feel insignificant, you need to see that God calls His people His inheritance. When you feel weak, you need to know the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work for those who believe. This does not mean every problem disappears. It means every problem is now seen under the reign of the risen Christ.
Today, ask God to help you see your life, your church, and your calling through the eyes of faith. Jesus is not gone. He reigns. He gives. He builds. And He wants you to see the hope, riches, and power that are already yours in Him.
Reflect: Where do you most need God to open the eyes of your heart right now? How would your view of the Church change if you saw it as Christ’s treasured inheritance?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my heart. Help me see the hope of Your calling, the riches of Your inheritance, and the greatness of Your power. Teach me to see my life and Your Church through the truth of Your reign. Amen.