Ephesians 1:11-23 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 1:11-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, Verse 12so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. Verse 13In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; Verse 14this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.
Verse 15I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason Verse 16I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. Verse 17I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, Verse 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, Verse 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. Verse 20God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, Verse 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. Verse 22And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, Verse 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Devotion
I want to let you in on a little secret: there are a few cranky people in my church. Maybe you have some in yours too. These people are a challenge to be around; they’re always complaining about something. But they’re exactly who I need to think of as I read this lesson.
That’s because it's easy to be thankful for people we like. But Paul here is offering thanks for all of the believers in Ephesus. That’s significant because Jews and Gentiles there had struggled mightily with who belonged in the community. No doubt some of the disagreements caused hurt feelings and made people cranky. But Paul is clear: God has given them all the spirit of wisdom, a sense of purpose, and a place amongst the saints (v. 17-18).
That’s good news, because sometimes I am the cranky person at church … maybe you are too. Yet God needs all of us finding a way to work together during a very cranky time in the life of our church and our nation.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for all your faithful people ... even the ones; no, especially the ones I don't like very much. Amen.