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other occurrences of the word. The one in a context, where Israel is prominent speaks of
the families of the earth; the other, where Israel is set aside, speaks of the families in
heaven, so beautifully fit together the different sections of infallible truth. Yet there are
still some who look upon "Right division" as a species of "Higher Criticism", because it
cuts up the Bible! To get the truth the Scripture must be cut, but "rightly cut"
(orthotomeo).
The prayer, further, is based upon the reconciliation, for the Father to Whom the
prayer is made is Father of every family in heaven and earth. The prayer therefore is
essentially related to the dispensation of the mystery, in which things in heaven and on
earth are gathered together under one Head. Prayer often indicates the dispensational
position of the one who prays. The prayer that is a model for kingdom saints does not
necessarily express the needs of the member of the One Body. The titles of the Father
and of Christ are not the same under different dispensations. The prayers of Ephesians,
Philippians and Colossians sound great depths and scale great heights, and the lives and
experiences of many believers would be enriched if these prayers were to become their
own heart-felt utterances.
#60.
The Temple of the Lord (Eph. 3: 16, 17).
pp. 119 - 121
It will be remembered that the prayer is threefold:--
1. That He may give . . . . . to be strengthened.
2. That you may be mighty enough.
3. That you may be filled.
"That He may give you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with
power through His spirit in the inner man."
Something of great value is evidently intended in this prayer, by the fact that the grant
is to be "according to the riches of His glory". Redemption accompanied by forgiveness
of sins is said to be "according to the riches of His GRACE". This grant is according to
the riches of His GLORY. "Riches of glory" are associated with the Lord's inheritance
(1: 18); with the mystery (Col. 1: 27); and "riches in glory" with the every-day supply of
all our needs (Phil. 4: 19). What a sweep this seems to be! From the heights of future
glory down to the every-day needs of the believer! Within this comprehensive scope
comes the prayer of the apostle. The prayer is for strength, "strengthened with power".
The word "to be strengthened" comes in I Cor. 16: 13, and apart from that reference
is used elsewhere of but two persons.
JOHN THE BAPTIST.--"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in
the deserts, etc." (Luke 1: 80).