GOD IS LIGHT

"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5)

Devotion 16 of 22

THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION

If "the spirit of wisdom and revelation" was unique to the Apostles of the Lamb, Paul would not have prayed, but would have taught. If it was a matter of the Ephesians not having enough information, the Apostle would not have prayed for them, but would have enlarged upon aspects of the truth in which they were deficient.

Note, Paul prays that "the spirit of wisdom and revelation" will be given to them--by God, Who Himself is "Light." This is more than a prayer for the Holy Spirit to be given to the Ephesians. They had already received the Spirit, "sealed" thereby until the day of redemption (Eph 1:13-14). It was not a matter of them receiving the Holy Spirit, or being "baptized" in the Holy Spirit. If that were the case, that is how Paul would have prayed. He prays for a Divine activity that would eventuate in the more precise merging of their spirit with the Holy Spirit.

He prays for their apprehension of what God has already revealed. The enlargement of their "spiritual understanding" was essential to their growth and survival. Similarly, Paul prayed for the Colossians, "asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Col 1:9).

The "spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" would result in a proper perception of the Lord. It would free them from debilitating misconceptions. Such a spirit would bring them within the circumference of blessing, thereby enabling their growth into Christ in all things (Eph 4:15).

This was not a temporary provision to carry them forward until the compilation of the Scriptural canon. That would not be accomplished until nearly 300 years after this writing. The answer to the need for which he prayed was not a Bible with 66 books instead of 39, as necessary as that is. Those with a full copy of the compiled Scriptures need this prayer just as surely as the Ephesians.

"Revelation" equates with the "day dawning" mentioned by Peter. It is when the spirit of man apprehends what has been provided in Christ. How we need this spirit in our churches! It is nearly altogether absent, and it is no wonder. In all of the prayers I have heard, there have been very few for this blessing. Perhaps that is why it is so scarce.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I desire the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Yourself. Grant it in copious quantities for everyone that is trusting in Your Son.

-- Tomorrow: DREAMING DREAMS AND SEEING VISIONS --