Ephesians 1:11-14
Reflect
Have you ever had such wonderful news that when you shared it, you didn’t even stop to take a breath? In the original Greek, Ephesians 1:3-14 is actually one long, exuberant sentence where Paul is overflowing with praise to God and excitement for how, from eternity to eternity, God is sovereignly at work. Paul catches his breath only at the end of today’s passage.
The “we” in verses 11 and 12 refers to Jewish believers, whom God had chosen to be His people, His inheritance (Deut. 32:9), who would be His witness to other nations. But it was always God’s plan that Gentiles would be blessed and included. In verse 13, the “you” are Gentile believers who have received the Holy Spirit as a down payment of their inheritance in Christ. Paul preaches that Gentile believers are adopted through Jesus Christ. They are part of the family and have a share in the inheritance. Thanks be to God!
What comes to mind when you think of an inheritance? Is it something that excites you? Paul is certainly excited about our inheritance in Christ! Does your relationship with Holy Spirit reflect or display the truth that He is a foretaste of an eternity with God? If not, ask Him to show you what it means to enjoy Him, to be in relationship with Him today, in anticipation of our eternal inheritance.
Pastor Melissa
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.
- Pray for our Worship Ministries Assistant, Daniel Zander.