The Posture of Strength
As we continue our discussions of discipleship, we turn to the letter written to the church at Ephesus in which Paul reveals the depth and sincerity of his hopes for the new community there. In the third chapter, Paul begins with the words ‘for this reason, I kneel before God’ (v. 14). The posture of prayer that he describes is different from the usual posture of standing with palms facing upward. Paul explains his desire that the new believers will be strengthened inwardly and he prays that the people will possess sufficient faith as to experience transformation that can be made possible by God.
Paul makes a request of God that is not for himself, but intended for the benefit of others. Paul is aware that one of the conflicts that the people of Ephesus are facing is the long-standing enmity between the Jews and the Gentiles. Because Jews have long-believed that they alone were God’s chosen people, they have had some difficulty embracing others as also belonging to the family of God. Rather than remaining mired by the narrow conceptualization of the ultimate will of God, Paul prays for a change of beliefs about the inclusion of the new believers.
Because of the radical nature of his request, Paul kneels. There are several other instances in the Bible in which people feel so overwhelmed by the desperation of their request that they also kneel. From Ezra (Ezra 9:5), Solomon (1 Kings 8:54) and Daniel (Daniel 6:10) to Stephen (Acts 7:60), Peter(Acts 9:40) and Paul (Acts:20:36), people knelt before God. Even Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane knelt and prayed (Luke 22:41). In these cases, the prayer was for the presence of God to be manifest through healing, mercy and/or strength. Paul prays that Christ may dwell in the hearts of the new believers.
As we pursue the mission of making disciples, we reach outside the church to share with those who may not have heard the good news. Although it can seem intimidating to talk to others about faith, having conversations about the ways that we hope to be strengthened can be a little easier. Many of us have been made aware of areas of weakness by physicians, nurses and even personal trainers such as a weak heart, flabby core, stiff hips, etc. These weaknesses can make us more susceptible to injury and they can rob us of moments to enjoy life. These weaknesses can also compromise our community by maintaining barriers between various groups.
When kneeling is the posture chosen for prayer, our activity becomes even more obvious. However, what Is far more impactful than our physical posture are the words we speak and the inward transformation that occurs when Christ begins to dwell in our heart and we invite others to be transformed by the presence of Christ. Paul prays for that type of transformation. Let us also pray for that kind of transformation and strength for ourselves and for others.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
