Proper 10: Epistle, Ephesians 1:3-14                                  

Ephesians 1:3-14

The opening of Paul’s letter to the young congregation in Ephesus has been labeled by some as an epistle dealing with the most cosmic and grand elements of our salvation. It’s hard to argue against that point. Our first reading of the week left us reeling with the swift and sure judgment for Israel at the hand of enemy armies soon to invade. So to move from that, to a passage with joy and glory just as sweeping as the judgment was horrible, is a breath of Holy Spirit fresh air.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places …” (1:3). What in the world does that mean? If words had flavor these would be delicious. Read it again. And perhaps again. This is one of those passages that allow for a whole lot of, “Father, help me understand what You are saying.”

There really is no better way to approach this passage than to read and ponder. So please do. And if you are so moved, write down on a piece of paper all the things our Lord has done for us revealed here, i.e. “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ,” “ He has chosen us in him,” “predestined us for adoption as sons,” and on it goes. Through verse fourteen you will have quite a list. And a menu for great praise and thanksgiving.

I think perhaps we should search the Bible more to discover the very reasons it gives us to erupt in the praise and exaltation of our God. Our prayers so often ask God to bless us, or our endeavors, or things. The Hebrews would rather bless the Lord for His great gifts. This is Paul’s aim here. And he is on target.