“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”- Ephesians 3:14
Timothy Keller continues his discussion of Ephesians 3:14-19 in Chapter 11 of Prayer by taking specific note of Paul’s opening phrase of his prayer- that he (Paul) kneels before the Father. In Paul’s time, kneeling was not the normal prayer experience for Christians and Jews, so to “bow the knee” was an act of special reverence.
Thus, Pastor Keller adds, Paul’s statement points to one aspect of communion with God- “a deeper understanding and the appropriation of our family relationship with the Father.” While we may know intellectually that God loves us, delights in us, and that we are His children, it is the Holy Spirit that makes our head knowledge a fiery reality in our life.
The author further states that when the fullness of the Holy Spirit comes down on us, we can sense our Father’s arms beneath us. Minimally, this means that we have joy as well as a lack of fear and self-consciousness. In other words, we have joyful fearlessness.
The happiness we seek from earthly or temporal things may mask the reality of our situation. Pastor Keller concludes:
“The Spirit, however, gives you joyful fearlessness by making you more aware of reality. It assures you that you are a child of the only One whose opinion and power matters. He loves you to the stars and will never let you go.”
Today’s question: Have you received a joyful fearlessness from the Holy Spirit during your desert, land between time? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Grasp the love of God”
