He Chose Us

Read Ephesians 1:3-10

Paul writes this letter as “a prisoner” (3:1; 4:1) yet he exalts that we are “blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing.” Present difficult circumstances do not dissuade Paul from rejoicing in who he is in Christ: blessed, adopted as God’s own, forgiven, and empowered to give God glory. Other people may dismiss Paul as a prisoner but God embraces him as a precious child of His own redeeming. Other people may dismiss Paul as a drifter without regular employment but God selects Paul as a worker in His kingdom. We share with Paul that ancient lavish calling in Christ, a calling that is, literally, older than dirt, made “before the foundation of the world.”

God chooses us today with new mercy to join Him in His work, just as He chose us “before the foundation of the world.” He blesses us today that we might be empowered to obey Him, regardless of today’s circumstances. We have a divine appointment today to live in Christ, fueled by heaven’s resources. Other people may dismiss us, or even curse us, but God blesses us that we might bless others and glorify Him.

QUESTIONS:

1. What nay-saying from others or your own mind, keep you from embracing your blessed identity in Christ?

2. Where and with whom today can you praise God’s glorious grace?

PRAYER:

Lord, soak Your grace so deep into my soul today that my mouth and hands can’t keep from glorifying You.

Pam Mann