(The following is the August 25 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Ephesians 1 and pay close attention to verses 3-14.)
Christians rightly anticipate a glorious future when God will fulfill his remaining promises to us. We base these expectations on the truth of his Word. We also rejoice in his past and present blessings.
Paul’s Ephesian letter begins with what God has done for us:
- “Choosing us before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will” (vv. 4-5).
- “He made known to us the mystery of his will” (v. 9).
- “In him we have also received an inheritance” (v. 11).
- “In him you were also sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (v. 13).
Paul looks to the future, writing, “The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory” (v. 14). With thankfulness for God’s past blessings and anticipation of what he will do, Paul reminds us of our present status in Christ: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses” (v. 7).
God’s adoption, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, inheritance, and the indwelling Holy Spirit are present realities for believers. No wonder Paul bursts into praise: “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ” (v. 3).
God’s blessings are past, present, and future. Recognize them and praise him for his kindness to undeserving souls like us.
Next Step:
Write down every present blessing you experience from knowing Christ and living in a relationship with him. Praise him for these and what he has yet to do in your life.
