Paul had said many things to the believers in Ephesus when he spent time in that important ancient city a few years earlier. He had further said important truths to the elders in Ephesus when he arranged for them to meet with him some time later in Miletus. Now he had sent this important letter to them from Rome. And these two verses are his final words to them.
We can see that he wanted them to enjoy rich spiritual blessings from heaven. He wanted them to have a faith that showed itself in love and peace — great inner blessings to have, and which can be received constantly from the storehouse in glory. These blessings come to the family of God because their Father desires to give them.
And they come to us through the activities of Jesus our Mediator (which is how he is described here as Lord), who conveys them to us in his roles of prophet, priest and king, with the Holy Spirit applying them directly to his people. It is beautiful to know that Jesus works from heaven to ensure that his disciples are instructed about, embraced in, and prepared for those blessings of love and peace.
But the apostle actually closes with a warning when he mentions a condition for receiving divine favour. The condition is to ‘love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible’. This is a love that does not die, that is loyal and submissive. Paul’s words challenge us regarding the intensity of our love for the One who loves his people.
We have completed reading the amazing letter to the Ephesians. Let’s thank God for arranging for Paul to write it, for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in producing it, and let us ask for grace to love the Saviour more and more. After all, the letter is about the benefits that come from being ‘in Christ’.
No comments:
Post a Comment