City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” 

Ephesians 1:18-19b (NIV)

Reflection

“…the eyes of your heart may be enlightened…” – In the movie The Matrix, the world as others saw it wasn’t real, the main character Neo had to see the truth, even if it wasn’t ideal. But fortunately for us, the truth is in our favor. What we see with our eyes isn’t always the truth, it is the unseen (2 Corinthians 4:18). 

“…the hope to which he has called you…” – The hope God has called us to is salvation in Jesus Christ, completely paid for, liberation from God’s judgement. In Jesus, we have peace and freedom. 

“…the riches of his glorious inheritance for his holy people…” – those who receive Jesus and His salvation are given a great inheritance. Our glorious inheritance includes (from p. 119 of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren) being with God forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17, 5:10), being changed to be like Jesus (1 John 3:2), freedom from suffering and death (Revelation 21:4), a great promotion (Matthew 25:21), and sharing in the glory of Christ (Romans 8:17)! We are indeed rich! 

…his incomparably great power for those who believe.” – The inheritance we are given isn’t meant to be hoarded away, but shared. We are called to a great destiny, like Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker, Frodo Baggins, and the superheroes (Marvel or DC)! Our destiny is to live for Christ and tell others about Him! 

Application

In the message Pastor Chris gave this week, he told the story of two homeless brothers who were actually billionaires and didn’t know it. Have the eyes of your heart been enlightened? You are unfathomably rich and are called to a great destiny! 

Prayer

Dearest Jesus, please open the eyes of my heart so I can see what You see. Remind me of the hope You have called me to, of the glorious riches You so generously gave me, and that Your Power is enough for me to fulfill my calling. In Your name I pray, amen.