Paul played the part of a missionary. He travelled to Ephesus and did much to share the Good News with men and women in this famous metropolis. Consequently, the Lord was pleased to do much in and through Paul. He was privileged to see many of his neighbors come to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul then played the part of a pastor. For more than three years, he remained in Ephesus shepherding and discipling his new brothers and sisters in the household of faith.
Now, Paul plays the part of an Apostle. Though passing along the pastorate to other fellows, and though being separated from his beloved congregation for some time, he continues to shepherd them from afar. Paul keeps up-to-date through traveling friends, and he writes his friends pastoral letters as necessary.
In his current letter (Ephesians), Paul makes much of the gracious performance, promise, and gift of God. With all his intellect and penmanship, he endeavors to help his readers understand the great love God has for them. However, despite his best inspired efforts, Paul knows …
They just don’t get it!
Therefore, Paul, in the midst of his letter, informs them of his constant practice and prayer. He writes:
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19)
Regularly, Paul bows in reverence before God asking the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to do their powerful work in the “inner beings” or “hearts” of his beloved friends. And what is the powerful work needing to be done?
Though his friends are already “rooted and grounded in love,” Paul knows they need more faith and strength to comprehend the infinite and measureless love of Christ that is far more than intellectual knowledge. Yes, as much as they know God’s love, they know not God’s love enough. Again, they just don’t get it!
Friends, we are in the same camp.
Most of us are “rooted and grounded in love.” We have come to know Jesus Christ as our Lord, King, Savior, and Friend.
Most of us know a lot. We have heard many sermons and podcasts, read many books and blogs, sung many hymns and songs, memorized many verses and catechisms, and have even evangelized many friends, family members, and neighbors. We are doctrinally and intellectually sharp.
However, despite what we know, we still do not fully comprehend the infinite and measureless love of Christ. As a matter of fact, we cannot. No matter what we know of God’s love, we know not God’s love enough. We have a clue, but we just don’t get it!
And so today, I pray for you and for me. Today, I write for you and for me.
We don’t need to hear less of the grace, mercy, and love of Jesus. We need to hear more, for as much as we say we understand the unfathomable love of Jesus, we truly still just don’t get it.
Unfathomable Grace 