Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:13
Continuing the portion where we learn the passion of our God and Father, we have learned so far that God gave gifts through Christ to His people. And this is for the purpose of being united in Him for His glory. This happened when He ascended to His Father, sitting at His right hand. That’s why in accomplishing His very passion, He planned to grant grace to His people who shall further be used in achieving the unity of all thins in His Son: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (vv.11-12)”. This is the ultimate significance of the descent of the exalted Christ – that He gave spiritual gifts to people whom He will be using for the building up of His body [Church]. These spiritually gifted people are appointed by the Lord with His ascended sovereign rule! Such an amazing grace, and we must keep up with the understanding and even the pursuit of keeping this knowledge – that God’s grace is indeed amazing.
In continuation, the grace given here must be understood immediately as one object with two sides (vv.11-12): First, the office, second is the officer. This is given by God for the purpose of perfecting His chosen people as a portion for His Son, being the Eternal Reigning King in His Kingdom. And this grace is prevailing, persevering, and continuing until the end of the goal is achieved – having the fullness of God (3:19) and of Christ (4:13): “until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, (v.13)”. There is a specific point in time where in all the saints will arrive in the state where God purposed that the Son might be glorified in them. This is to attain the standing where in all believers are in the agreement and oneness of faith. This already happened, and is happening, and will still happen until all imperfections that hinders His body to come together is perfected by God’s grace – the gifts and the gifted by the Spirit! The nature of this faith that all the saints are growing to be united is the glorious knowledge of the Son of God. This is to simply say who He is and what He has done for His Father and on behalf of His people. Possessing, owning, or taking this knowledge is to gain the fullness of Christ, indeed. And as the Son of God Himself has said: “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3). This is the knowledge that brings maturity and even perfection – the fullness of Christ! And this is where faith is anchored and is therefore not a waste (and will never be).
Behold the grace of the Lord, dear saint! God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has made you fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel (3:6)! And this grace, this gospel, the unsearchable riches of Christ, was proclaimed to you by His graced servants (shepherds and teachers in our contemporary), who reflects further His all-sufficient grace, whom He is using to build up the body of Christ [Church], that you may mature in every way, and be filled with all the fullness of 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. Are you living a life worthy of the calling with which you have been called to as a believer of the Lord?
2. Is your life marked by eagerness to maintain unity and peace with your brothers and sisters in the Lord?
3. Are you a good steward of God’s grace?
4. Do you continue to grow in need of His grace?
5. 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 prayer, in the name of Your Son. Once again, able to learn more of what You have stored for me in Him, who is my Lord and Savior. Father, I thank You for your grace, for indeed, through Your Son, You have made me part of His body wherein You have gave us Shepherds and teachers whom You are using for us to be filled with all the fullness of Him, who is worthy of my praise. Father, I pray, that You grant me a heart that truly exults and exalts Your grace in Him. And may I ever possess a heart that truly sees Your grace as all-sufficient for my life. Again, Father, I thank You for giving me Your Son, and blessing me Him. In His name I pray. Amen.
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