Ephesians 1:18
“I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.”
Those of us in the United States are wealthy by the world's standards. Some in the nicer areas are way up there in terms of wealth. The strange thing is that most don't know this. Some short videos of typical living situations in the world would quickly make us aware.
While God can provide financial blessings, He values other things more so. This can be seen through Jesus. He entered this world through a poor couple. He was born in a barn. His first visitors were shepherds, who might have been viewed as those who cut grass. During His public ministry, He tended to oppose those who were at the top of society.
So, if riches aren't the usual thing that God blesses us with, then what does today's passage refer to? We get Him. It's a relationship. So, how is a relationship riches? Because He is the author of everything we want. If it be pleasure, He created and gives joy. Some pursue it by exciting activities or viewing activities, but the originator of fun is God. We may seek love and relationships. He created us as social beings with a desire to connect with Him. Some may seek knowledge or wisdom. He is the all knowing, all powerful creator.
Our western culture was built upon the judeo-christian model. Most of the Ivy League colleges began as schools to train ministers. Now, most have values that oppose the faith. Our judicial system was based on God's laws which were given to Moses. Many individuals who were raised in the US and have been educated here and benefited by our rules and values reject and mock the faith. They don't realize that all that has structured them is of the faith. They belittle it as foolish, yet it's the ladder that gave them much that supports them. God wants to give them so much more.
The evil one and the world has created lies which many have accepted which has poisoned the well for them in regards to faith. They see it as old fashioned and unenlightened. It's not an option. Some open up to faith when they have children. They see the importance of faith for their children. God uses that. Being exposed to the Word and christians causes a connection to God and they come to Christ.
What causes them to believe? David said in Psalm 34:8a, "Taste and see that the Lord is good". By being in the presence of believers and hearing the Word, they connect with God. The Lord begins to speak to them more the Word enters their hearts. The parable of the sower tells us the Word gets planted in their hearts and it grows and they begin to interact with God. The Lord seeks to lead them to the cross. We all need the forgiveness which Jesus purchased for us. Accepting Christ causes us to be born again and so begins a wonderful relationship with God.
This new life is now guided by God. Just as a parent guides children, so does God. The difference is He knows what's best and can form the circumstances of our lives as He chooses. His desire is to bless us to be a blessing to others. He seeks to form His character in us. We become like Him. These are the riches of His inheritance.
Lord, thank You for these riches. You have moved heaven and earth for us. You sent Your Son to die in our place to make a way. Thank You.