Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.
Summary: Deciphering Paul’s thinking can be a challenge, but it can also be very rewarding. In this passage, Paul gives us a clue as to the details of God’s plan for the redemption of humankind.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:10 – Things, No-Things, and All Things”What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?
Summary: Looking at today’s passage tells us as much about Paul as it tells us about Jesus.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:9 – Finding Heaven”This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
Summary: Sometimes, the Word of God can seem puzzling. Yet when we come before God in prayer and humility, he is faithful to open our minds to understand his Word.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:8 – Puzzle Pieces”But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
Summary: Words are important. The wrong word can lead us to the wrong understanding. In this mediation, we look at the word “apportioned” and examine how this word can affect our happiness in God.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:7 – The Key to Happiness”Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Summary: The bond of peace is not to be taken for granted. We were given the gift of peace at great cost to our Creator. To keep it requires effort.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:3 – Unity & Peace”… of the calling you have received.
Summary: Paul talks about “the” calling we have received, but in his letter, he talks about three different aspects of this calling.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:1c – Called by Jesus”… then, I urge you to live a life worthy …
Summary: Living a life worthy of our Lord is a full-time job. It is also a job that requires us to wear many hats.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:1b – The Power to be Worthy”As a prisoner for the Lord,
Summary: As Paul begins the fourth chapter of his letter, he reminds us that he is a prisoner “for the Lord.” To put this in perspective, it is helpful to reflect on Paul’s life and what it might have been like had he not met Jesus.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:1a – What Jesus Wants”… together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
Summary: Continuing on with Paul’s metaphor, we explore what it means to be rooted in love and discover that being fed on God’s love is the key to understanding.
Continue reading “Ephesians 3:18b – Spiritual Potting Soil, Part III – Liquid Love”… through his Spirit in your inner being,
Summary: Paul’s life is a marvelous example of how God communicates with us.
Continue reading “Ephesians 3:16b – The Spirit of Power”