Enabled To See!

When someone turns on a light, we are ABLE TO KNOW what is around us because the light has allowed our eyes to see. When the light goes on in our minds, it means something has finally dawned on us and WE KNOW that more clearly. ENLIGHTENMENT is a word that refers to the GAIN OF KNOWLEDGE and understanding.

Paul's prayer for the Christians at Ephesus was toward the end. . .
"(17) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, (18) HAVING THE EYES OF YOUR HEARTS ENLIGHTENED, THAT YOU MAY KNOW what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints," ( Ephesians 1:17-18 ESV)

The Greek word translated "enlightened" in the text is "pephotismenous" (having been enlightened). The root "photizo" (pronounced with long o's) is from "phos" (also long o), which literally means "light" or "daylight". W. E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words points out the way it is used here by Paul is "to enlighten" or "illumine", being used "metaphorically of spiritual enlightenment." This Greek word makes me think of our English word "photo" and how a camera works by allowing light to come in through the lens to expose a picture on the film. I looked up the word "photo" and found its origin does in fact come from the Greek "phos" and "photos", meaning "light."

What was it Paul indicated the ENLIGHTENMENT was toward? It was to KNOW THE HOPE they had and the RICH INHERITANCE that was theirs in the Lord. Paul also went on to note the KNOWING of the immeasurable greatness of GOD'S POWER toward them. (vs.19)

God's desire is to clearly MAKE THIS KNOWN to us to encourage our continued faithfulness to and trust in Him as we face life's challenges. We do have a CERTAIN HOPE in Christ of which we can confidently count! Though others may see all that brings a sense of despair due to what is going on in the world, because of the SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT we have from God, we can maintain a sense of HOPE since WE KNOW His work continues on our behalf to ultimately bring us into His eternal glory. May the lens of our heart continue to remain focused on this assured HOPE we have in Christ.

Have a great day DEVELOPING THE PICTURE GOD ENCOURAGES US TO SEE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on enlightenment