2022_11_18 Insight Post- Emma Keeton
This week’s reading- Ephesians 1 & 2
Thanksgiving is 6 days away, and while we may still be deciding the method by which to cook our turkey this year, we are also being prompted to reflect and give thanks. In Ephesians 1:3-6 Paul reminds us of what a thankful heart looks like as he praises God for every spiritual blessing we have in Christ:
“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. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”
As Paul writes these words, he is in prison. Presumably, Paul is not too concerned about his physical circumstances. His spiritual circumstances have overridden his current reality, and Paul is able to tap into the wealth of everything available to him in Christ because of his adoption into God’s family. The 19th century preacher, Charles Spurgeon, said, “a new heart is better than a new coat.” God knows my material needs, but when my outlook is heavenward, my attitude can be one of gratitude- even when life is a challenge.
As good as this may sound, how do we make the shift to seeing our circumstances in a larger context? I believe Paul has the answer for us in verses 19b-23:
…”and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Because God has authority over every power and dominion, and all things have been placed under His feet, we are safe in His hands. We may even begin to be thankful for our trials as they become an opportunity for God’s grace to be at work.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Emma Keeton
Prayer Team Lead