I am really excited to travel through Ephesians together. This is a time where we read, dig deep, praying that the spirit will awaken us a bit more. And, life is more beautiful when we do it together!
So let's start!
When beginning reading through scripture, it is always important to get context.
Who is writing? Where are they writing from? Who are they writing to?
For me, it makes scripture come alive!
|| EPHESIANS ||
1 1-2 I,
Paul, am under God’s plan as an apostle, a special agent of Christ
Jesus, writing to you faithful believers in Ephesus. I greet you with
the grace and peace poured into our lives by God our Father and our
Master, Jesus Christ.
Dig in with me.. Take yourself there...
Paul, chained to a Roman guard, not convenient at all, writing to the "faithful Christ followers" in Ephesus. Ephesus is now, near the present day Turkey. It is said that John took Mary, Jesus' mother, there to live out her last years. It is also said to have been the city of joy! Just as in the U.S. each year, there is a list of the "most happy city" or " the most depressed city" and so on...
Ephesus was known as the city of Joy! I would want to live right there! Would you not?!
So knowing this, I am assuming that there are a lot of Christ Followers that are in the city. Yet, Paul writes to the "faithful Christ followers." There was a distinct difference made there. He wasn't just writing to the Christ Followers but to the faithful ones... Let this marinate a minute.
I took the second verse from a different perspective, as Paul greets the faithful ones...
God, our Father and
our master Jesus Christ pours
grace and peace
into our lives.
I have been trudging through these few scriptures this last week with questions marinating in my heart..wrecking it yet bringing me back to the beauty and power of the gospel.
Am I a faithful follower of you Lord Jesus?
Where am I experiencing your grace in my life currently?
Where am I experiencing your peace in my life currently?
So, I will then pass these questions to you.. let them seep down deep into your heart as we respond in repentance and then freedom knowing full and well that He is not safe.. yet is so good.
Share. Encourage. As we are seeking him together!
Father God,
I pray that we rest in your hope in your peace and your much grace. May we be women clothed in strength and dignity. Because of your son Jesus we may know you. Amen
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