Isaiah - Verse By Verse

Walking through Ephesians - Day 74

versebyverse | January 23, 2008 20:50

Thought:  To me, very few of us realize all that Christ has done for us and given us!

Question:  What was accomplished through Christ's resurrection?

Scripture:  Ephesians 4:8 (NIV):  "This is why it says:  'When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.'"

(Paul refers to the prophetic statement of Psalm 68:18, written by King David.)  Christ accomplished many things when He arose from the grave.  Among His achievements was the leading of "captive souls" out of their "holding place" and up with Him toward the presence of His Father in heaven.  This "holding place" of captivity, I understand, was the one half of hades called paradise; the same place where Lazarus the beggar looked across the uncrossable abyss and saw the rich man in torment in flame.  Lazarus was safe in "Abraham's bosom" with all the other captive saints who awaited Christ's resurrection and ascension.  Now at the time of rising, Christ "led" these souls into freedom--into God's presence.  He also "gave gifts to men."  This phrase is used by Paul as a basis to explain the giving of measures of grace to "each one of us," (Ephesians 4:7).  I think Paul sees this clearly because he was so greatly gifted on the road to Damascus.  Had other sinners seen Jesus as he did?  No.  His "measure of grace" was larger in that sense, though we all receive as much of Christ as any other believer since we are all capable of being filled with the Spirit to whatever degree we allow.  But Christ "gave gifts to men."  This gift to this one, and that gift to that one, etc.  Different gifts--different amounts of "grace."

Prayer:  Lord God, reveal to me the gift(s) You may have graced me with.  Oh, God--I thank You for Your plan to benefit mankind through Your Son's resurrection!  Amen. 

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