Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:13
So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
Ephesians 3:13
owards the end of the apostle Paul’s rich discussion of the blessedness of the believers, he comes to conclude his necessary brake that he did (3:1-13) as he has introduced the motive for his prayer for the believers in Ephesus which will begin in 3:14. Paul takes the moment of discussing how his ministry and our blessedness is tied up, since he is the chosen instrument of the Lord to carry His name before the Gentiles. The apostle has showed that the historicity and validity of their [Ephesians] Christian faith is founded in his gospel that he has proudly, profoundly, and practically proclaimed, and this gospel is of the Lord’s as He continues to fulfill and has now fulfilled in Christ His covenant, which the gospel that the forefathers have heard, received, and believed!
In view of all of this, the apostle now pleads with the believers in Ephesus not to be disheartened about his sufferings and even afflictions. As a servant of the gospel (3:7), he obeys it purposes whatever the cost: “So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory (v.13)”. The apostle’s ministry which is an overflow of the finished work of the Son in God’s redemptive plan mediate salvation to others, enabling them to acquire the state of glory, that can somehow be experienced in the present (foretaste of what is to come). This is glory that the believers in Ephesus (and to us as well) participate in, is the [new] reality that they have now as being part of God’s treasured possession, or Christ’s inheritance.
Dear saint, know for certain that Paul suffered that through it he may partake in Christ’s glory. In his suffering as well, God brought to production the glory of His people for all those who have and who will believe in the gospel of Christ. Paul is able to overlook his sufferings, for he considers that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Rejoice now, believer, for our faith is founded in Christ’s work through His apostles. Take part now in His work, that we may be able suffer for the glory of others who will believe in our Lord Jesus Christ! Be afraid not, for when Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. And as we obey the great God with His great mandate, may it be our motivation that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God in Christ, as the waters cover the sea. To this He called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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
1. Does the great commission of the Lord given through His apostles give you a great assurance and conviction in the historicity and legitimacy of your Christian faith?
2. Do you continue to grow in need of His grace?
3. 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, asking You of one thing for this day – make me behold more of His glory, that my heart will be consumed with a passion of suffering for the sake of the gospel of Christ. May my heart truly seek to live for Him, proclaiming His infinite glories that all whom You have called through the gospel may obtain the same glory that I have in the Lord Jesus Christ. All for Your glory in Him, Father. In His name I pray. Amen.
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