“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Eph. 3:17-21
Heavenly Father, meditating on Paul’s prayer for believers in Ephesus this morning fills my heart gratitude and groaning. Gratitude—because you have securely rooted us in the fathomless depths and multi-dimensional love of Jesus. Our current status and eternal joy are not in doubt.
Right now, you love us as much as you love Jesus; for you have hidden our lives in Christ (Col. 3:1-4) and made Jesus’ righteous ours (1 Cor. 1:30). We will “feast in the house of Zion,” the gates of hell will not overcome the growth of your church, or shutdown the forward movement of your kingdom (Matt. 16:18). The entire earth will be filled with your glory one Day. Hallelujah, and soon would be awesome with us.
But here’s where my groaning comes in, Father. Until the Day Jesus returns, we live in constant need of Gospel-renewal—individually and churches. As Jesus’ Bride, we “leak grace” (2 Pet. 3:18), lose heart (2 Thess. 3:13), and forsake our first love (Rev. 2:4). Father, we need a fresh awakening, if not an out-and-out revival. Why not us? Why not now?
Hallelujah, dead bones can live again (Ezekiel 37) and chilly-hearted believers can dance again (Luke 15). Churches can get upward facing, inward renewing, and outward loving (Acts 4:23-35). Father, for your glory, grant us a fresh work of your Spirit and major Gospel-renewal. So Very Amen.
