I am not really feeling any connection to a part of this verse today. I am reminded of a question that I was wondering about on the second day of this journey. Why does Paul exclude the third part of the trinity from verse two. "Grace to you and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ." And here we are, almost to the end of Paul's opening praise of God and just now arriving at the Holy Spirit. I wonder if there is something contextual about Ephesus or even about the trinity at this early period in church history, that caused Paul to lead with God and Christ, and only make brief mention of the Holy Spirit.
More questions I don't have answers for. It reminds me of my need for a good commentary on Ephesians. Suggestions are welcomed.
One other topic seems to come up here, though I won't try to address to tonight: assurance of salvation. Are we "sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ's own forever?" Can nothing separate us from Christ (Romans 8)? Like I said, I am not trying to address it tonight, just going to leave it there.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. It has been a busy season. I pray that I would take time tomorrow to honor Mary, Joseph, and of course, Jesus. As the birth of my second child approaches, I pray that I, like Mary, would open more and more to the riches of his grace and trust Him for what the future holds.
by the will of God,
Jonathan
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