Isaiah - Verse By Verse | Walking through Ephesians

Walking through Ephesians - Day 47

versebyverse | December 10, 2007 19:53

Thought: To me, we ought to aspire to Paul's example and live for others.

Question: In what way and to what purpose has God's grace been administered to us?

Scripture: Ephesians 3:2 (NIV): "Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you,"

Paul validates himself to being this kind of prisoner, showing he is not crazy to live this kind of life. He proves his sincerety by reminding them that they have all heard the story of what happened to him on the road to Damascus, and affirming with them that this indeed was God sending grace. He says God's grace was "administered" to him. To me this means applied to Paul personally, specifically and purposefully; to be given authoritatively by One over him who can bestow it upon him exactly. Paul says he knows God "administered" the grace for the Gentiles via himself. He is clear, so clear, about his calling. He knows his job. (Do I know mine? Do I see the purpose, the reason, God graces me? Is it not for some others somewhere who need God?)

God never gives something to someone to have it dead-end there with them. It is given to be given again. Our gospel received will shine and live anew and afresh when we give it new and fresh to someone else who has never heard. This is the nature of God Himself: ever new and fresh, alive with love that flows and grows, never-ending and ever gracious.

Prayer: Oh, precious Lord, may I act with responsibility and share the very grace You gave me with others near me. Amen.