Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:
To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This seems just like an ordinary opening to a letter, but I am always fascinated by how people greet each other, and Paul always had something to say in his greetings.
First, I see that Pail is identifying himself in Christ. He is aware that he belongs to Christ.
Second, he is aware of what his calling is. He is an apostle. He isn't trying to be something he wasn't called to be, instead he is sure of what he is meant to do.
Third, I see that he is aware of where his authority comes from. He says that he is an apostle by God's Will. Not because he deserved it or earned it, but it was by God's Will. That speaks volumes to me as I learn to constantly view "my" giftings, talents, ministry as the Lord's not my own.
Then he moves on to the people he is talking to. He calls them faithful. Full of faith. They haven't turned away from the faith or hidden it. This is an admonishment to me to make sure I live in a way that when people speak of me, I am considered faithful.
Next he says grace to you. Grace- a manifestation of favor, mercy. He is speaking blessings over them.
And peace. There are many definitions of peace, but the one speaking to me in this passage are cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension. Since I know that Ephesians was written to the church and is about unity in the church, then that is the definition that rings true to me as I read this intro.
Lastly, where does the grace and peace come from? From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul couldn't give it. The Ephesians couldn't make it happen. Grace and peace comes from the Lord, so we need to pray and listen to Him in order to receive the grace and peace He is offering.
DAILY THANKS:
- Thankful for a sweet husband who is willing to go get me caffeine when I have a migraine coming on
- Thankful for long conversations with a longtime friend after yoga class
- Thankful for God's healing and restoration in my marriage
- Thankful for independent children
- Thankful that my independent children still like to snuggle
- Thankful to work from home
- Thankful for the opportunity to pray with others
- Thankful that God is giving me such a love for His women
- Thankful for the opportunity to teach and mentor those women
DAILY PRAYER:
- No more migraines
- Healing of walking pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments
- Healing of broken marriages
- Freedom from addiction for all kinds of addiction
- Healing for my friends with cancer- Carol, Nicole, Gramma, and so many others
- Peace for those in the midst of transitions
No comments:
Post a Comment