Indescribable!

Recently I was studying Ephesians with new eyes and ears. The only word that makes sense to me is “Indescribable.” Throughout the book, Paul tries to describe God’s love for us, His commitment to us, His provision for us, and God’s eternal purpose. From Genesis to Revelation, scripture declares God’s desire to have a relationship with us. He reminds us of His everlasting love over and over. The Word of God paints a picture of the Father’s yearning for us to seek Him, know Him, and return His love. In Ephesians, Paul tries to lay out the totality of God’s love and provision.

(Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, PDRs4All ERS Team; image processing Salomé Fuenmayor)

Here are some of the words and phrases Paul uses to express our Heavenly Father’s great love and plan for us from the beginning:

Ephesians 1

He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing (v3)

He chose us (v4)

He predestined us (v5)

He redeemed us (v 7)

He forgave us (v7)

He lavished grace on us (v8)

He gave us an inheritance (v11)

He sealed us with the Holy Spirit ((v13)

Ephesians 2

He was rich in mercy (v4)

He made us alive (v5)

He raised us up (v6)

He seated us with Him (v6)

He saved us through the gift of faith (v8)

He created us for good works (v10)

He is our peace (v14)

He made us saints and fellow heirs (v19)

He made us part of the dwelling of God (v22)

Ephesians 3

Because of all the above, God has given us bold and confident access through faith which Paul declares in this sublime prayer:

“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 the 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.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (3:14-21)

There are no adequate words. There are not enough adjectives to describe the unfathomable riches of Christ, and in the end, Paul declares them indescribable.

Rest assured of His love for you, His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

Blessings,

Personal Parables is the blog of Dyann Shepard. Get Dyann’s complementary study in Proverbs and prayer guide, What to Do When You Don’t Feel Good Enough. If you need encouragement to remember the truth about yourself in times of doubt and anxiety, this free 5-day study is for you. Follow Dyann and Personal Parables on Instagram and Facebook. Dyann is available for speaking, guest blogging, and article writing.

Personal Parables Practices

Am I living as God’s masterpiece?
Am I enjoying the gifts of every spiritual blessing?
Am I thanking God regularly for His lavish and abundant love?

Prayer

Will you join me in prayer thanking the Lord for the love expressed in Ephesians 3:14-21?

“I bow my knees before my Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. Thank you Lord that according to the riches of your glory you have strengthened me with power through your Spirit in my inner being. You have done this in order that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith—that I, 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 I may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to You, my Father, who is able to do far more abundantly than all that I ask or think, according to your power at work within me, I give you all the glory and praise in Christ Jesus, forever and ever. Amen.” (3:14-21)