Today’s reading is Ephesians 1.
In Genesis 12:3, God promised He would bless all the families of the earth in Abraham. Though God chose the nation of Israel from Abraham’s lineage to be His special people–through whom He would bring the blessing of Christ–the blessings were always meant for all people. Praise the Lord!
In Ephesians 1, Paul walks us through the historical purpose God had for the Jewish nation in Christ before explaining the Gentiles are included in the great blessings by believing in Christ. At the same time, the ultimate force of Paul’s argument is that everyone in Christ has these same blessings.
What incredible blessings they are.
Despite the sins we have committed, we are redeemed by the blood of Jesus, given forgiveness of our sins. Redeemed–not striving to earn favor. This allows us to be holy and blameless before God. Holy–not wallowing in guilt and shame. Not only that, we are adopted as children of God through Jesus Christ. Adopted–not merely tolerated, but welcomed. His grace is lavished upon us in all wisdom and insight. Lavished–not trickled. Depending on how one translates the passage, either we receive an inheritance from God (what an incredible prospect) or we are His heritage (an equally amazing prospect). A heritage–blessing to God Himself. In addition to all this, we are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Sealed–not lost in the crowd, but marked and known.
We sing a song encouraging us to count our blessings. No doubt, we have many to choose from. We can think about life, health, jobs, food, clothes–the list goes on. But as we count our blessings, may we always recall these blessings in the heavenly places. While they are not as tangible, they are more enduring. They will last not only through this life, but even into the resurrection.
Granted, we recognize these blessings by faith. We may not always feel them or sense them. We rarely see them. Yet, in Christ, they are always true. Let us walk by faith and not by sight regarding these blessings. Let us make a regular habit of counting them and of giving thanks to God for them.
Thank You, Lord, for blessing us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. May we offer You every thanksgiving while we still dwell in these earthly places.
Tomorrow’s reading is Ephesians 1.
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PATHS:
Discuss Today’s Meditation with Your Family
How does Ephesians 1 admonish you?
Read the Bible 