God of new beginnings, at the start of a new work week, bless this dear reader in all she or he may face. If satisfaction and joy is absent, please grant it; if a job is needed, we pray You grant it as well; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Our text comes from Ephesians 4:7-16: 7 But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people." 9 (When it says, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) 11 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. 14 We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. 15 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love.
The gifts keep coming, yes even long after Christmas! Paul stresses to believers that ours are the gifts from our loving Savior. If you look at the list of gifts every single one is a gift of service: Apostles: Faithful students who put into practice that which they learn. Prophets: Faithful student who study and then share God's word in all situations especially those where a strong word of God's love needs to be present. Evangelists: Faithful students of the Good News who share them with all who have not yet or need to hear again. Pastors: Faithful students who share God's love with those in their flocks. Teachers: Faithful students who teach what they have learned and lived about God's word. All work together with one common objective: To build up the body of Christ seeking unity of faith and full, mature knowledge of Jesus Christ until we start to resemble Him. The aim is to mature to the point where we put away childish things and not being easily swayed away from the things of God. Grow up! Paul is saying and don't be led astray by "cartoons" (my word for attractive and entertaining but false teachings about God) that seem funny or attractive but serve no purpose. Our goal should be to grow together in Christ as one body that serve Him.
You might have noticed that the Holy Bible is an honest book of teachings and actions. The Word of God is never stagnant nor still; it invites, promotes and encourages action. To read each page is to hear God Himself say, "Get up and go!" There is much to do, much to share, much to learn. Get up and go!
PRAYER: Loving God, we praise You and thank You for all You share in Your Holy Word. May Your Holy Spirit come and fill me with all that I need to faithfully serve You. Let me accept the gift of service You have set aside for me and may I get up and go and do it! In Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
