April 14th | You Are Blessed

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

YOU ARE BLESSED  

Ephesians 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” 

Today’s devotional verse makes mention of the fact that God blesses you. The blessings to which this verse refers are special ones that only Christians receive. They come to you from the Holy Spirit through the faith He works in your heart in your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. These blessings are not then food, clothing, money, spouse, family, etc. These blessings are spiritual. They flow to you from the Holy Spirit. 

The chief spiritual blessing God grants you in and through Jesus is your redemption. Yes, Jesus has redeemed you, as Luther wrote, when you were a lost and condemned sinner. Jesus did this, writes Peter, “ . . . not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18-19)  

By virtue of your union with Christ, you have been given the blessing of a new life. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “ . . . God, who is rich in mercy, made (you) alive with Christ even when (you) were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” He has blessed you because you are “in Christ” declaring you without sin, holy and righteous says St. Paul in Romans 3:22 “ . . . This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”   

Because of God’s great love for you, He did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for you and gives you all things. Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God as your advocate interceding for you, pleading your case, showing God the imprint of the nails on His hands and scar on His side. All things in this life that would separate you from your heavenly Father, you are able to overcome, you are able to conquer through Jesus who has loved you. (See Romans 8:31-39 –39) 

Finally, in Christ God gives you your victory. Therefore, “let nothing move you, Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58)  Prayer: Thank You heavenly Father for all the spiritual blessings You have given me out of Your underserved love. Amen. 

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;   Praise Him, all creatures here below;   Praise Him above ye heav’nly host;   Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
(LSB 805)