A Very Personal Walk through Ephesians – 1

1. Recognizing God’s blessings.

Ephesians 1:1-3 (especially verse 3) “This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” (NLT) 

The Greek word for “bless/blessed/blessing” is used three times in verse 3: Blessed be God who blessed us with every spiritual blessing. What does “bless” mean? According to the dictionary, to bless is to honor as holy. To be blessed is to receive happiness or some other positive experience or situation. A blessing is something that gives happiness, wellbeing or prosperity. 

So, what does that tell me? That God is worthy of being blessed or honored because of who He is and what He has done for me and others. That God has given me every spiritual blessing I need. If I really believe this verse, how can I react in any way other than to thank and praise Him for giving me every spiritual happiness, wellbeing, and prosperity. I want to look deeper into what “every spiritual blessing” means tomorrow. For today, I want to honor God by recognizing His greatness and care over me and thanking Him for His gifts of joy.

   Lord, I have been feeling sad and somewhat sorry for myself recently because of the pain and grieving and health problems in our family. My attention has been on my circumstances. This verse rebukes and encourages me at the same time. What do I have to complain about? Even the very serious and justifiable grieving is overshadowed by what you have done for our family in the big picture. Once again, please help me focus on You and Your gifts to us. Even on the comfort You give us in our painful situations, including the knowledge that You feel our pain and hurt with us, as Jesus demonstrated when He felt the pain of those around Him. Indeed You have given us every spiritual blessing that we need. Amen