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Spirit of Wisdom And Revelation


          For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (Ephesians 1:15-17)

         If you’re wondering what to pray for someone, this is the first request in Paul’s list for the Ephesians. You can pray this for me any time you like!  I’ll grant that it’s a little confusing for our modern eyes. Is Paul saying may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation? Or is he saying may give you the Spirit of wisdom, and revelation? Checking three versions, the answer seems to be the former, but ultimately, the answer is “yes.” The Spirit of wisdom and revelation could hardly be called that unless He reveals and gives wisdom. But I have to admit, my “gimme!” response is toward the wisdom and revelation when it should probably be toward the Spirit. I want all three, but my focus tends to be on the gifts rather than the Giver. It’s one of those things I need to change.
          The other piece of the puzzle relates to that. I want wisdom and revelation about things and for decisions I have to make. I want wisdom and revelation so I can get things right or be right. Those are fundamental aspects of me, and there are decisions to be made, so I tend toward the fundamentals. That’s part of what the Spirit does, but that’s not really what Paul’s talking about here. He’s praying that the Spirit gives wisdom and revelation that gives us insights into and knowledge of God. Just a slight change of focus, but it makes all the difference in the world.
          Lord, You have promised that You will not leave me or desert me. You’ve promised Your Holy Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Thank You that You have fulfilled those promises many times in my life, even when I don’t realize it. Father, it’s easy for me to focus more on the wisdom and revelation, and less on the Spirit that gives them. Forgive me and open my eyes that I may recognize Your Spirit in my life, in my heart, and in my thoughts. Amen

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