THE HOLY SPIRIT AND CHRIST'S INDWELLING

"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Devotion 6 of 16

THE GRANT

"That He would grant you . . . " The marvelous provisions now addressed will be GRANTED to believers. The concept of "granting" is a God-glorifying one. It accentuates the Divine nature. The word itself is rich with meaning, distinguishing the New Covenant from the Old Covenant. It includes the ideas of giving, appointing, assigning, bestowing, placing, presenting, and investing. What God "grants" cannot be originated or appropriated by human ingenuity. It is not the outcome of the development of natural abilities. Rather, it is something that has its sole origin with God Himself. Further, it is granted in strict accord with His good pleasure and purpose. A "grant" is something OBtained, not ATtained.

Naomi once prayed the Lord would "grant" her two daughters-in-law to "find rest" (Ruth 1:8). Paul prayed the Lord would "grant" the believers in Rome to be "likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus" (Rom 15:5). The same word is translated "give" in Ephesians 1:17, where the bestowment of "the spirit of wisdom and revelation" is sought. It is also used when asking for the Lord to "give" peace (2 Thess 3:16) and "understanding" (2 Tim 2:7) to His people.

The concept of "grant" assumes the need of the one receiving the grant, and willingness on the part of the One granting. If either of these is missing, the very idea of a "grant" withers and falls to the ground. What is granted CAN be received, else it would not be a grant.

A "grant" depends upon the grace of God as its impetus. It springs from Divine benevolence, and is rooted in the goodness of God. It can only be appropriated by faith, and is never forced upon the individual. Christ will not dwell where He is not welcome. When all of the people from a Gadarene city besought Jesus to leave their region, "He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city" (Mark 8:34-9:1). A "grant" assumes not only the need of the individual, but a fervent desire for what is given. Where that is lacking, there is no commitment to Divine blessing. The insensitive and lukewarm will never receive the blessing of the Lord.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name I praise and magnify You for Your grace and kindness. I covet what You have to give, and thank You for Your desire to give it.

-- Tomorrow: THE RICHES OF HIS GLORY --