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Ephesians 1:3-14 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In 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, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In 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; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.
I date myself when I say I remember fondly the days of handwritten letters as the primary way of staying in touch. When I went away to college, I looked forward to any letter from home with news, updates, words of love, and money! I would usually get a letter from my mother and my grandmother. Mom would send one at least once a week with a couple of dollars and a note, "For buying gum!" My grandmother would send a dollar or two, usually the same note. They both said they loved me and those letters made my day. Years later, a dear friend said that when he wrote to his daughters, he would say, "I have enclosed some money to help you this week," and not put any money in it. "That way," he said, "I know they will call home, "Dad, I got your letter, but there was no money in it!"
The writer of this letter that we read begins by giving thanks for He who sends His very best to us. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as He chose in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him in love." He then lists all the gifts that have come our way because of our faith: adoption, when we thought we were unloveable; grace, that awesome love that comes with no conditions or strings attached; redemption, being rescued from sin because He took our place; forgiveness, that sound of joy that says, everything had been paid for and you are free to live in joy and love!; inheritance, not only do we now belong to a heavenly Father, we are to inherit all that is His for us; the word of truth, the "love letter" of life that sustains us and keeps us going; salvation, that rescue from certain death to the fullness of life - and all sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit, a "kiss" as it were, by God to us. I can think of no better letter, nor email, nor text that can come our way with better news.
There we have the news and update for this and all days. God loves us, provides for us, and has shared with us that which we need to be examples and blessings to all who do not yet know God. It is our joy and job to share those Good News with all people.
PRAYER: Awesome God, thank You for Your love and gifts. Thank You for the seal of the Holy Spirit upon us. Bless and protect us for the joy and work ahead; this we pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
