December 04, 2019: SOAP #3653:  Ephesians 1-4

Scripture:  Ephesians (NIV) 1:2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Observation:   In Paul’s opening greeting he encourages the saints in Ephesus to enjoy the loving favor extended by our Heavenly Father, and the peace that naturally flows from that grace.  Men look for peace and strive for peace but without grace it cannot be found.  Even among men, often someone in grace must be willing to forgive before peace can be obtained.

Paul states that the grace and peace come from both God the Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ. The writer sees both on the same level or rank. They both are giving the same gift. Like my family giving a gift and the card denotes only “The Hiebert Family” — the receiver must look at all the members equally and thank us all. If we stated how much each gave, then the receiver would give more thanks and honor to one than another.  Grace and peace come from both God our Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ.

There is a distinction here noted, however. Not of the gift given, nor of the rank, nor of the nature of the Giver, but of relationship of the giver to the receiver. One relates to the believer as Father, the other as Lord.

Application:  With Jesus as my Lord (Owner, Boss, Commanding Officer), I need to follow His example in how to relate to our Heavenly Father.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, how blessed I am to be in your family!  Lord Jesus, how blessed I am to have you as my Lord and to do as you direct.  You always lead me to what is good for me and what blesses the Father.  You are amazing!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!