Days 298 & 299a: Ephesians

I need to remember to read this book more often. This is a book that can lift you up when you're feeling down. When you feel like nothing is going your way and this world is a burden you're simply getting too tired to carry, this powerful and emotionally charged epistle can serve to remind you of all the things God has done for you. It can help lift your eyes off of this world and see how God "has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (1:3)

These words may have come from the pen of Paul the Apostle but they read like a long riff from a fiery African-American preacher! In fact, I encourage to read this book aloud, not the way we normally do in a dry "white" monotone, but put some life into it! Imagine yourself wiping the sweat off your brow and in a loud raspy voice you proclaim:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

Or how about:

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)

Come on now...imagine the black preacher: "Buuuut NOW ...in Christ Jesus...you who once were faaaaar away - I mean FAR! ...You have been brought near ...by the blood of Christ!

There is powerful emotion in this book that we so often miss because we just read the words...and we don't feel the feelings. I think Paul is simply overcome with emotion as he writes these words:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

When you read it with an open heart to the emotions that are expressed then the practical instruction he gives regarding our daily lives takes on a new meaning and urgency...

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Paul closes this book by reminding us that we're in the midst of a war. It's a daily battle between the forces of good and evil and we dare not take that battle lightly. But we can be strong because we are assured that the victory is ours!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:10-12)