Tuesday 19 August 2025
So that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you. (v. 18)
Background
This section of Paul's letter to the Ephesians reads as a cross between a prayer and a statement of faith. It could be a very formal prayer, quoting from a liturgy of which we don’t have a record. Much of the language is designed to help us see the eminence or even pre-eminence of God and Jesus Christ. Where Jesus is described as 'Lord', 'King' could have been used as an alternative. In this section there is no clear trinitarian understanding of God (ie God as three distinct entities: Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and the language used is helping us to see that the salvation promised to us is possible because of the mighty power and status that God has.
Inevitably the language used and the imagery it invokes reflects the world view and the social and political framework of the time. Some people, given the understanding of terms today, find it difficult to relate to Jesus as ‘king’, with its associations with prestige and importance. Perhaps that serves to underline how carefully each generation has work to ensure that the good news we share is understood by as many as possible.
Our faith brings us hope. For many in our society, hope is in short supply and the future looks bleak and difficult. For some life is so bleak they will get into boats to cross the Channel so they can engage with a future they feel carries more hope than the one they currently see. Our faith equips us with a language of equality, justice, peace, compassion, mercy and transformation – the potential for change brought about by engagement with the power of the Spirit of God. This is a gift of hope in a world that seems lost and dark.
To Ponder:
- What are the things that give you hope? How do you share these with other people?
- What is the most helpful image that you use to help you understand something of the nature of God?
Bible notes author: The Revd Malcolm Peacock
The Revd Peacock is Superintendent Minister of the Mid Glamorgan Mission Circuit. He has a deep and abiding interest in Celtic theology and believes those who are minorities or feel themselves marginalised should be given a voice to speak for themselves.