April 13th | Grace and Peace to You

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS

GRACE AND PEACE TO YOU  

Ephesians 1:1-2 “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

The Lutheran Study Bible has the following brief introduction to Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: “Although Paul wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus while he was in jail, it is his most optimistic and encouraging correspondence to the young churches. He tells of the advantages a believer has in Christ and instructs believers on how to ‘live a life of love.’” 

Imagine yourself unjustly imprisoned, as was Paul. Think of the past few years the number of citizens of this country who are screaming about their unjust imprisonments. They have hired lawyers, spent huge amounts of money to gain their freedom, hired public relations firms to plead their case in the court of public opinion, etc. Not Paul. He entrusted himself to God, continued his gospel ministry, sent words of encouragement via letters and personal emissaries. His personal problems were greatly overshadowed by Christ’s calling of him to spread the gospel to the then known world.   

Note the emphasis of his greeting in the opening two verses of his letter. First, he reminded the readers of his Apostolic office which assured the readers his words would be valuable to them. He was a herald of the Good News about God’s love for them through Jesus Christ. 

Then he reminded his readers they were special. God, through the faith He had given them in His Son, had declared them holy, without sin, in a right relationship with Him. They were, Paul wrote, “faithful” to their heavenly Father through Jesus.   

He finally greeted them with two important words, “grace” and “peace.” They were recipients of God’s undeserved love. Having received His love through Jesus they were, although still sinners, at peace with God because through Jesus their sins were forgiven.   

Today’s words of Paul apply to all who are “faithful in Christ Jesus.” They therefore apply to you. You, through your faith in Jesus are filled with God’s grace and peace. 

Prayer: Yahweh, fill me with Your grace and peace through Jesus Your Son, my Savior.   

If Your beloved Son, O God, had not to earth descended  And in our mortal flesh and blood Had not sin’s power ended,  Then this poor, wretched soul of mine In hell eternally would pine  Because of my transgression. 

But now I find sweet peace and rest;   Despair no more reigns o’er me. No more am I by sin oppressed,  For Christ has borne sin for me. Upon the cross for me He died  That, reconciled, I might abide With You, my God, forever. 

I trust in Him with all my heart; Now all my sorrow ceases.  His words abiding peace impart; His blood from guilt releases.  Free grace through Him I now obtain;   He washes me from ev’ry stain, And pure I stand before Him. 

All righteousness by works is vain; The Law brings condemnation,  True righteousness by faith I gain; Christ’s work is my salvation.  His death, that perfect sacrifice, Has paid the all-sufficient price;  In Him my hope is anchored. 

My guilt, O Father, You have laid On Christ, Your Son, my Savior.  Lord Jesus, You my debt have paid And gained for me God’s favor.  O Holy Spirit, Fount of grace, The good in me to you I trace;  In faith and hope preserve me.  (LSB 568)