14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3: 14-21
Last month we contemplated verse 14 of this rich passage. Today we will look at verse 15.
What does Paul mean when he says that God's whole family in heaven and earth derives its name from Him?
In the Bible, and in God's realm, one's name represents his entire character and identity. Thus, Paul is saying that all of God's family, whether in heaven or in earth, must represent God's character and person.
Think about that!
Therein lies the answer to all our muddling about heaven and hell: do you desire to reflect the perfect, holy character of God?
If you do, then through prayerful acceptance of the grace of Jesus, slain on the cross for your sins, and risen again in glory, you are part of God's family.
But many of us honestly do not desire to reflect God's self-sacrifical nature. We choose not to be part of God's family, usually because we prefer a life of self-rule. We think that to become part of God's family will take away our fun, and our sovereignty. We really don't like to be told what to do, and we imagine that being closely linked to God will force us to give up all our personal rights. And we imagine Jesus' life of poverty, self-sacrifice, and ultimately going to the cross, and it scares us to death!
In that case, although the Bible tells us that it grieves Him greatly, God lets us go. He permits us to choose another way, a way that does not reflect His person. Thus, we can elect to be part of God's family, or not to be part of God's family.
The good news is that God keeps pursuing us, through the Holy Spirit. He lets us go, but He keeps trying to speak to us in many ways: through other Christians, nature, our families and circumstances, and just the small voice in our hearts that tells us that we are restless until we come to rest in His loving arms. How is God speaking to you in your life right now? Is He asking you to become a more intimate member of His family?
One thing is certain: God's family in heaven and on earth must "derive its name" from God. That is, God's family must resemble God in holiness, love, mercy and justice.
It sounds like am impossible task! Thank the Lord that He has provided a means for us to do so, through the indwelling Spirit of Christ.
Join us later for a discussion of verse 16!
Vivian Ruth Sawyer,
Transform Louisville Coordinator |
