Today's Passage: Ephesians 3
It truly is a blessing to be able to serve God. If you stop to think about it we are so blessed to have a daily relationship with the creator of the universe. Adding to that we are allowed inclusion in his activities and work here in the world. We get to participate in and be part of God's master plan.
Paul felt undeserving of this privilege. He called himself the "least of the apostles" and the "chief of sinners". But even though he felt undeserving he did not neglect to participate in the work of God. Sometimes it might be tempting to see service as a burden instead of a privilege. The tight schedule and tensions of the day may make you think that serving God is just one more thing to add to the stress of the day.
Keep in mind that God can do anything and use anyone he wants to accomplish his goals. But he chose you. Serving God is a not only a way to grow as a believer, it is also a way to grow in intimacy of Christ. Keep in mind that this is all from a man in prison and he is talking about the joy and blessing of serving God!
As Paul writes this letter in prison, his thoughts are on his fellow believers. The later half of the chapter he voices a prayer that show what he hopes the Ephesian Church will grow to understand soon. He Prays that:
- They would be strengthened in their inner being with power through the Spirit of God.
- Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith.
- They would be rooted and established in love.
- They would soon understand the height and depth of the love of Christ.
- To know the love of God that surpasses knowledge.
If all believers were relying on the spiritual strength from God, full of faith and truly knew the depth of God's love just imagine how victorious the church could be!