Healing Rays of Righteousness

Are there times that you feel uncertain about God’s love for you?  I’ve had those times, and that’s when I most need to be encouraged by the words of the apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians; “For he chose us in him (Christ) … In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, … In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.” (1:4-7). 

Oh, what love God lavished on us.  Can we imagine any greater evidence of his love for us?

In chapter three, Paul prays that we may grasp, come to understand, more fully the magnitude of Christ’s love for us; which he believes is much greater and more expansive than the whole universe with its limitless sky above, its limitless horizons on every side, and the deep depths of the earth and the seas beneath us.

“And 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,”  Then, as if desperate for adequate words, he adds the phrase “and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”  (3:17-19). 

Paul wishes for all who follow Christ to experience being Spirit-filled to the brim with all the fullness of God in every day, activity, and encounter.  And “For this reason I (Paul) kneel before the Father, … I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”  (3:14-17).

Paul believes that to be Spirit-filled means having a deep love relationship with God.  A love relationship that is fully yielded to him, and brings to us a life rich in experiences of his amazing love and powerful presence.

Paul is saying that God’s love for us is far beyond the rational limits of intellect or theory.  It is experiential knowing, that is, to experience Christ’s love in everyday living experiences.

I remember reading of a farmer who had a weather vane on his barn, on which was written GOD IS LOVE.   When friends asked why, the farmer said, “This is to remind me that no matter which way the wind blows, God is love.”

The following scriptures would confirm this truth, and are verses that I have found encouraging in my journey.

When the warm ‘south wind’ with its soothing and balmy breezes brings showers of blessing, God is love.  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17).

When the cold ‘north wind’ of trial and testing sweeps down upon you, God is love.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

When the ‘west wind’ blows hard upon you with its punishing intent, God is love.  “do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves” (Hebrews 12:6).

When the ‘east wind’ threatens to sweep away all that you have, God is love.  “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19).

Yes, it doesn’t matter which way the wind of life is blowing, the truth remains, God is love.       

Paul concludes his prayer for us with a doxology of praise to God who, he says, is able to do more for us than we could ever dream of, or think possible.  He first prayed that God would bestow blessings on us that transcend our knowledge.  He then expresses his confidence that these blessings will be granted, for he believes that God is love, and that God is able.

Read verses 20-21 slowly, drinking in and savoring every healing drop.  I promise it will refresh your spirit every time you do so.  “Now to him (God) … who is able … to do … immeasurably more … than all we ask or imagine, … according to his power … that is at work … within us, … to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen.”

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – August 21, 2019

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Ray M. Geigley