Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers."
Text: Ephesians 1:15-16
NOT ALWAYS EASY TO BE IN TOUCH
Paul was the founder of the Church at Ephesus. In his last meeting with the leaders of the Ephesian Church, he reminisced about the time he spent there.
“Therefore watch, and remember that for three years
I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”
ACTS 20:31
It is not unlikely that Paul had not been able to keep in touch with the progress of the Ephesian Church for quite a while. Two reasons may be offered:-
1. Paul had been imprisoned for his faith
Paul was incarcerated not long after his last contact with the Ephesian Church leaders. On his trip to Jerusalem, fanatical Jews caused him to be arrested
2. Communication difficulties
The means of communication in the first century leave much to be desired. Often months or even years would pass by before one receives news. Travel by any means was not only difficult but sometimes hazardous.
FRESH MOTIVATION TO PRAY
At last news was received. The Ephesian Christians had made good progress in the development of their faith.
“After I heard of your faith”
This statement could be understood in a number of ways. Two may be highlighted:-
1. New people had come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; and
2. The initial faith had grown well.
“Your love for all the saints”
Not only had the Ephesians grown in their faith, they had learned how to care for others. They had cultivated the fruit of love and that was well evidenced in the way they had cared for fellow-believers.
“Do not cease to give thanks to God for you, making mention of you in my prayers”
Joy and thanksgiving filled the heart of the apostle Paul as he received happy news of the good progress of the Ephesians. Two expressions are noted in Paul’s practice of prayer.
1. Spontaneous prayer
Knowledge is vital to the maintenance and development of “spontaneous prayer”.
2. Ceaseless prayer
Obviously, Paul had cultivated the spiritual discipline of praying without ceasing.