Enlightenment

Do you remember the Polaroid cameras that produced the photo for you within a minute of you taking the picture? Now we have digital cameras that provide a picture instantly. The old Polaroid cameras were considered state of the art innovation in its time. You would take a picture and then watch it develop right before your eyes.

That process of development is similar to the Greek word, photizo, which Paul uses in his letter to the saints in Ephesus. This particular Greek word is translated as “enlightened.” Notice how Paul uses the word in the following context.

“I pray also 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 the saints.” Eph 1:18 (NIV)

Your heart, which represents your capacity to understand and comprehend God’s truth, has room to grow. Your ability to know, grasp, and understand has the potential to develop. You can grow in your knowing.

God wants you to be enlightened. God desires for you to develop in your knowledge of Him.

Personalize Ephesians 1:18 and pray through it by asking God to open the eyes of your heart. God will unveil His Word to you in a personal and powerful way.

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care