Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him"
Text: Ephesians 1:17
THE FATHER OF GLORY
The phrase “The Father of glory” was aptly chosen. “Glory” (“doxa”) has always been associated with the Father. Those who truly knew the Father always sought to give Him the glory that is rightfully His. The following texts will serve to prove this point.
“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.”
PSALM 57:11“I have glorified You on the earth…”
JOHN 17:4A“Yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever. Amen.”
MATTHEW 6:13C
Whether it was the psalmist, the Lord Jesus Himself, or the apostles- all were more than pleased to associate “glory” with the Father. When one comes to the throne of grace, there ought to be a tremendous sense of the awesome glory of God the Father. It is in this consciousness that prayers are best offered.
“MAY GIVE TO YOU”
What was in Paul’s mind when he prayed for the Ephesian Christians? A careful study of how he phrased his prayer is most instructive.
1. A proper approach
Paul constructed his prayer request using the word “may”. (This well conveys the subtle meaning of the Greek Subjunctive mode. There is an element of “undetermined outcome”). What does this mean?
a) No demands are made on God
There are some who insist that one must “lay claim” on God’s promises. One may even demand that God must yield to our petition. Paul’s approach is the exact opposite. He made no demands in prayer. A correct understanding of who God is will eliminate this brash and rude approach of demanding things from God.
b) An understanding of the word “request”
What is a request? Surely the person who presents his request to “the Father of glory” cannot force the Divine Hand! (The subjunctive mode properly reflects the true manner of presenting petitions to God.)
2. Totally Dependent upon God
Several things must be borne in mind each time a request be made to “the Father of glory”. Three may be highlighted, and these will reinforce our understanding of how we truly ought to pray.