The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him in Ephesians 6:23-24,
"Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love."
In his closing of this letter, Paul offers this benediction to his readers. He expresses his desire for peace, love and grace to those of his readers who love Jesus Christ with "an undying love". All these from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
While in the past I have often sifted through these kinds of salutations, benedictions and doxologies as just so much "window-dressing" (how could I ever have done so?!) in order to get past them to get to the "meat of the text", I have now learned a very important truth. These kinds of statements are all here in the Scriptures for a very important reason. They express both the very heart of God as well as the hearts of those who are animated by him.
There was a time when Paul, then known as Saul, a Pharisee from the tribe of Benjamin and a pupil of Gamaliel, was a violent man and a blasphemer, 1 Timothy 1:13. In his misguided attempt to do "the Lord's work" he persecuted those who had given themselves to Jesus Christ, raping the bride of Christ, so to speak. But now, look at what kind of man Paul has become! It is not Paul that astonishes me, however, it is the One who has brought such a change to such a hardened heart as Paul's!
This is the nature of our Lord. He changes us from within. Not just that, but the nature of the change is lavishly exquisite. Paul emulates the fruit of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control) as he wishes wonderful things for those who love the Lord: peace, love and grace.
Here in these two verses we see the very heart of our loving Savior and our heavenly Father on full display as the Holy Spirit does his work!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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