"...out of his glorious riches..."

Continuing to Read Ephesians 3:14-21

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you..."

The first three chapters of this letter provide the theological foundation for the practical admonitions of the last three chapters. This is a common practice in Paul's letters. This phrase, "his glorious riches" and others like it, that speak of the abundance of God's resources, is one of a multitude of such phrases that occur in the first three chapters. Consider the rest of the collection:

"blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (1:3)

"his glorious grace ... freely given" (1:6)

"in accordance with the riches of God's grace" (1:7)

"that he lavished on us" (1:8)

"the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints" (1:18)

"his incomparably great power toward us who believe" (1:19)

"his great love for us" (2:4)

"God, who is rich in mercy" (2:4)

"the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us" (2:7)

"love that surpasses knowledge" (3:19)

"him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (3:20)

His riches are matched only by his generosity towards us. What a theme to meditate on at this time of the year. The nature of these riches is as interesting as their abundance. This will be discussed as we move further into Paul's prayer. In the meantime it is very edifying and uplifting to think of the tremendous resources that have been made available to us.