Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:4c
It was discussed previously that it is the Spirit who creates the unity of the believers in the bond of peace. Maintaining therefore unity with the brethren is the common responsibility of those who profess and claim to be a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ. To keep unity is not just responsibility but is part of necessity to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which all genuine Christians are called to. And this is the reason why to strive and promote for unity which is in the bond of peace, must be done with all humility and gentleness, with patience, and bearing with one another in love. Yes, dear saint, this must be done with eagerness. And this holy duty is further solidified by the apostle’s further discussion which serves to be the foundation of this glorious task of keeping the unity. These are declaratory and confessional statements that provides firm exhortation for unity: First, there is one body (v.4a); second, one Spirit (v.4b); And now we discussed the third (out of seven), there is one hope (v.4c).
The apostle Paul puts it this way: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call (v.4)”. Restating what is obvious, the believers in Ephesus (and us as well) is addressed now the third time with their commonality. All belongs to one body, having one Spirit, and having one hope that belong to the call of the Lord. Concentrating now in that one hope (v.4c) which all believers have been called to, this is the glory that which even the apostle himself fails to describe in one of his letters: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us (Romans 8:18)”. This glory is the eternal life which will be spend eternally in the enjoyment of God in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ! This is the hope planned before the ages and is shared by all whom God has chosen in Christ to be in His kingdom forever. This one hope is the same hope that nourished the faith of the patriarchs, the prophets, all the servants and the remnants of the covenant keeping community of the coming Messiah, who is the Son of God Himself – Jesus of Nazareth.
Dear saint, those who genuinely shares with you with the hope that you have in the Son of God are your companions to the newness of life. Together, they are co-partakers of Christ’s glory! Therefore, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. And when Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. To this, you are called to, dear saint, to the one hope that belongs to your call, together with all the saints of the risen glorious Lord.
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. Do you continue to grow in need of His grace?
4. 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, to praise and thank You for the hope that serves as the cornerstone of my faith. Your Son is the hope of all ages, Father, and together with Your people, teach me to always rejoice in it, for You who promised is faithful. And Father, as I continue to share this same hope with Your people, I ask that this may serve as a source of motivation for me and for them as well, to continually aim for our oneness, togetherness, for our belongingness is in Your Son alone. Strengthen me with Your people, as I stand firm in the confession of our hope, together with Your people, as we see the Day drawing near. I pray and I ask this, in the name of the Christ, Your Son, my Lord. Amen.
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