Our scripture this morning is Ephesians 3:14-21.
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Paul sends his prayer to the church in Ephesus that they might know his love for them and the blessing they have been given. He prays that they “may be filled up to all the fullness of God”, living in and for Him. Paul often had to write letters of correction to the churches he planted, but this prayer shows how much he cares for his brothers and sisters in Christ.
He tells us “I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name”, reminding us we are all connected as God’s children. While God loves us each individually, it covers us all as a family. Through this relationship we feel His love and hear His call for us to share it with everyone.
Think about the wonderful gifts we have been given, and how they enable us to go in His name to all the world. Know that “according to the power that works within us” His spirit is always with us for guidance and strength. May we be the disciples of today, bearing the Good News everywhere.
Gracious God, in Your mercy You sent Jesus to show us Your love and teach us to love one another. Bless us to treat each other as part of Your family. Amen.