Yet again my naïve belief of regularly producing posts on my blog has collapsed upon itself. Oddly, moving to a different state, pursing a master’s degree, and working near full time has a way of filling up the calendar. Consequently, “down time” has been rare. However, I was blessed, through my forgetfulness of a class cancelation, with some time to meditate on God’s word and make some notes which resulted in this post. The following is a meditation on the opening chapter of the letter from Paul to the church in Ephesus.
"Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ."[1]
In a society characterized by discontent, greed, jealousy,
consumerism, and materialism, it has become difficult for the believer to avoid
these vices and learn the secret of contentment as the apostle Paul had.[2]
Contrary to what some “experts,” “teachers,” or even “preachers” say, there is
no lack, no insufficiency in the work of Christ and the provision of God the
Father. This does not merely refer to the saving work of Jesus the Anointed
One, but refers to all of His work, including His service as the mediator
between God and humanity and Ruler of all creation, as well as God’s provision
on a daily basis for those who are His own. With this in mind, God has given
all that is needed and then some to those who believe and follow Him. The text
does not say that God has blessed believers with some or even most of the
spiritual blessings, but it says that He has blessed us with every
spiritual blessing. He has not held back, but has opened the floodgates of
spiritual blessing. Note that God has not spoiled His children with every
earthly or material blessing, which will spoil and pass away.[3]
Rather, God the loving Father has graciously blessed an undeserving people with
spiritual blessings, the imperishable blessings, enabling and including a
reconciled and personal relationship with the Father; such blessing, though
often invisible, only materializing in its fruit, does so much more to make
this life not only bearable, but actually enjoyable, than any material blessing
ever could. There is no comfort that matches the security of resting in the care
of the Almighty Lord with Whom the believer may talk at any point and time at
any level, even when left speechless.
“Just as He chose us in Him before
the foundation of the world… In love He predestined us to adoption… we have
obtained the inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose…”[4]
These spiritual blessings are not a mere reaction to one’s
belief or some “sales pitch” to attract people to believe in Jesus and the
Gospel. On the contrary, the giving of every spiritual blessing was
premeditated, having been orchestrated while creation was still “formless and
void.”[5]
It is like a Christmas gift that has been purchased during the summer. It lies
in a secret place, hidden from all except the giver until the appointed time.
These blessings have long awaited being poured out upon God’s children, not in
response to godliness, but in order to foster and make possible godliness. How
great indeed is the love of God!
