Friday 17 October 2008

Background

Some of Paul's letters, like the letter to the Galatians, arewritten to churches in crisis or facing particularly tough issues.But his letter to the Ephesian Christians seems to spring simplyfrom his love of the church and his desire to see them flourish intheir faith.

He speaks as one of the first to set his hope on Christ - one ofthe earliest Christian converts to receive the "inheritance" offulfilling God's purposes and "liv[ing] for the praise of hisglory". Have you ever received an inheritance? Perhaps a sum ofmoney or special possession from a relative or friend who haspassed away?

Although to a certain extent it's a free gift, this honour alsocomes with responsibility. How can you best put it to good use?Should you use it or save it? How can you best preserve thespecialness of the honour you have received?

The inheritance Paul is speaking of here is a little like thefinancial legacy that a person might leave the Church in theirwill. The Church has not earned the gift in any way, but still hasan important responsibility to use that money wisely in order tohonour the spirit in which it has been given.

Although the Ephesian Christians weren't among the first to hearabout and commit to Christ, that doesn't mean they will miss out onwhat God has in store for them. They too share in this inheritanceas they become a part of the family of faith. And because of this,Paul wants to encourage and uphold them in all that they have beendoing and all that they can achieve. He wants them to know that Godwill continue to give them the strength, wisdom and gifts to honourtheir inheritance.

To Ponder

Have you ever received an inheritance? What didyou do with it?

Can you think of anyone you know who might need alittle encouragement right now? What are you going to do aboutit?