I asked a new group of students to write what they would most want to gain in my Bible class this semester. The answers reflected an interesting range: “course credit,” “an A,” “something I don’t already know,” “knowledge,” “understanding,” “something relevant,” “stronger faith,” “a deeper relationship with God”… and a few didn’t answer the question. Our answers might not be much different.
Suppose Jesus, Himself, visited your room tonight, sat down on your bed, and asked, “Child, what would you like me to give you this year?” Presently, we would all be tempted to ask God to rescue Haiti, but suppose the question is totally personal. “Ask something for yourself. Do you believe I can give it? Be wise and answer.” None of us would pull the covers over our head and go to sleep! None of us would say to the King of kings, “Just help me survive 2010.”
I’ve thought about this lately. Solomon asked for wisdom, but he didn’t seem to always live wisely. Simeon wanted to see the Messiah, but if Jesus was sitting on my bed that wouldn’t be a good reply. “The Holy Spirit” would be a good answer, but I’m afraid Jesus would say, “Oh son, don’t you know? I’ve already given you the Holy Spirit. He is with you always and lives in you.”
So here’s my answer: “Lord, fill me with the fullness of God.” I’m not even sure I know what the “fullness of God” means, but it must be good. Surely His fullness will jolt me out of mundane living and worldly thinking. This fullness must have something to do with the abundant life Jesus promised. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” “Fullness” will have everything to do with the love of God… which surpasses knowledge. Surely my mind will be expanded to truly believe that “with God all things are possible.” Surely my heart will be more in tune with the needs of the poor and suffering in Haiti, in my city, and in other parts of the world. God’s fullness will lead to Jesus spilling out of my life every day I walk this earth. Yes… this is what I want in 2010.
“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:16-21