Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:7-8
After discussing one by one the basis of the unity of the believers of Ephesus (and we as well), the apostle Paul now immediately proceeds discussing how this unity created by the Spirit in the bond of peace is further strengthened or solidified in the lives of the believers. In light of the eternal realities (4:1-6), which is that there is one body; this is to say that the church is one, regardless of local manifestations (including dogmas and denominations today). There is one Spirit, not a separate Spirit for every group. There is one hope that all believers look forward to in the eternal reign of the Son of Man; there is only one Lord, exalted above all, and one baptism, the public declaration of the glorious reality of being one with the Lord that belongs to all the church, and above all, one God and Father.
To maintain unity is indeed another way of saying to walk in a manner worthy of the calling that all believers have been called. And now, Paul continues to reveal to us that the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is above all the true eager one to unite the believers as one, for the glory of His own dear Son! That’s why through His Son, who is the Head of all is the means of grace: “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (vv.7-8)”. All those who truly belong to the Lord’s body is given with the same saving grace. Furthermore, each is also given some particular gifts of grace to benefit the church – the body of the Lord whom each is called to be united! This further means that each believer has a unique spiritual gift that God individually portioned. And He has done this sovereignly, and ultimately for His own esteem and pleasure. And this was done when Christ triumphantly ascended in the heavens in His glorious resurrection.
Dear saint, as we are being urged to pursue unity in the bond of peace from the Spirit, this appeal is also a command to share in the Father’s very own passion and heartbeat – the glory of His own dear Son! And this is the reason why through Christ by the Spirit, each of us has received the gift of grace! That we might further strengthen and solidify the unity of the one body where we belong! And so as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace!
May your heart, dear saint, be truly captivated by this blessedness that you have in Him, and because of Him! May you find yourself, together with the psalmist, acclaiming, bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits! who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Ultimately, the enjoyment of God in Christ is the only joy and happiness with which our souls can be truly and magnificently satisfied.
Desire to know Him more, who has loved you unconditionally and eternally! Thirst and long for Him! Be in awe of Him—the darling of Heaven! He is all yours… He is all-perfect, all-holy, all-glorious!
Hear this then, dear saint: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Christ is all that we have! Christ is all that we need!
Take heart, dear saint!
Reflect
Are you living a life worthy of the calling with which you have been called to as a believer of the Lord?
Is your life marked by eagerness to maintain unity and peace with your brothers and sisters in the Lord?
Are you a good steward of God’s grace?
Do you continue to grow in need of His grace?
Do you desire and long to love Him more, as you ought to be?
Remember
Every blessing from God and our Father are means to keep us back to our chief end—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! Live your life therefore for the praise of His glory, and continue to live out your blessedness in Him!
Pray
Father in heaven, I come before You in the name of Your Son, thanking You for this blessedness that I have in Him. I praise You, Father, for You have made me one with Him, and now I have received grace according to the measure of Hi gift. May I be able to use this, as I pursue continually unity with my brothers and sisters, and may this truly give glory to Him whose name is truly worthy to be praised. In His name I pray, Father. Amen.
Comments