S = 1:1-2 “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
O = What depth of meaning is conveyed in a brief salutation at the beginning of this letter. An epistle or letter was expected to begin with the identity of the author, followed by that of the addressee. Ephesians is no different, yet how does Paul identify himself? He is an “apostle” a “sent one” of Jesus the Messiah “by the will of God.” He was hinting at a couple of things here. First, he saw himself as a slave of Christ, one sent to do what he was told, ever since that first day on the road to Damascus (found in Acts 9). Secondly, he confessed that this was not his choice but God’s. Paul gives no impression that this assignment was the result of some inherent goodness within himself. Third, He expressed his overriding desire for their good, “Grace to you and peace” through the work of the triune God.
A = I profess to believe in Jesus, but like Paul, have I recently experienced a profound moment of surrender to the Lordship of Christ Jesus? How do I respond when I am “sent” without the Lord’s asking for my input? Do I see the people of God as saints? What can I do this week to cooperate with the Lord’s communication of grace and peace to his people?
P = O Lord, you know my own willful heart and yet you are committed to rescuing me from it as you were to that of Saul/Paul so long ago. I surrender yet again to your love for me. May I show your care to others this week in practical acts of grace and peace, because of who I am in Christ! Amen.
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