Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:9-10
We have previously discussed that the believers in Ephesus (and us as well) are urged by the apostle [Paul] of the Lord Jesus Christ to walk in a manner worthy of their calling. It was discussed that those who have been called by the Lord must with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love (4:2) to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (4:3). The urge to accomplish unity is further strengthened when the apostle of the Lord stated seven reasons (which can serve as confessions) to continually live a life that matches the glorious calling to which all believers have been called to: There is one body and one Spirit, just as all were called to the one hope (4:4), having one Lord, one faith, one baptism (4:5), and above all, we have one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (4:6). It has been brought to light that the apostle of the Lord is urging all the believers through his epistle to Ephesus, because above all, it is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is eager, zealous, and passionate to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth (1:10). And this is the very reason why we must lovingly submit to His will, for it is through Him alone, that you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord (2:19-21).
Continuing, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, gave us gifts through Him for the purpose of being united in Him for His glory. This is grace – grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. And He did this when He ascended to His Father, sitting at His right hand. That’s why it has been said, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men (vv.7-8)." With this, the apostle of the Lord is giving us an insight: "(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things (vv.9-10)." This does not mean that He descended into Hades or Hell (as some were understanding it that way). The apostle of the Lord is revealing that the Incarnation of the Lord, or when the Lord came to the earth, that is an act of descending. And when He descended, it means humiliation which means that though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. And we all know that this is the true meaning of humility and obedience before the Father, that’s why God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name! After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs (ascended). It was in this that the Lord, having been given all authority in heaven and on earth, sovereignly and willingly gave gifts to His people, as He was filling all things.
Capture this then, dear saint, that in the Lord’s descent, you have gained the ascent that you will never earn even if you have an infinite life! It was the Lord, the Grace-Giver, who descended that you might be lifted! And now, according to His own pleasure and will, not only that His Father has blessed you in Him with every spiritual blessings (1:3-14), but has also made you one and alive in Him by His grace, that you may walk in good works which He has prepared beforehand (2:1-10), granting you peace, nearness, and to become members of His household, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord (2:11-22)! For this reason, dear saint, make every effort to be united in the bond of peace with every saint, and to use your God-given gift(s) to serve Him! Again, 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
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, thanking You continually for giving me Him, who is worthy of all praises. Father, I praise You, for Your Son came to accomplish Your will, to save and lift a person like me. Remind me, Father, that in His coming, He left His glory and took the nature of a slave, that I may be lifted in the highest state – to be found in the standing of Your Beloved Son whom You are well pleased. May His example of humility cause me to serve my brothers with the gifts that He richly bestowed upon me. And I am asking this for His own pleasure and esteem, and in His name I pray. Amen.
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