Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ."
Text: Ephesians 1:3
A HAPPY JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN BLEND
There is no escaping the attempt to blend two characteristics. Paul never forgot his ancient Jewish roots. He also exulted in his new-found Christian heritage. He found them gloriously integrated.
“BLESSED BE…” VINTAGE JEWISH
This is vintage Jewish cultural heritage. This “habit” of blessing the Lord’s name may be traced all the way back to Abraham’s time. The faithful and trusted servant of Abraham was sent on an errand of finding a wife for the heir of the family, Isaac. On meeting Rebekah, this old servant exclaimed,
“Then the man bowed down his head and worshiped the LORD.
‘Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham,
who has not forsaken His mercy and His truth toward my master.
As for me, being on the way, the LORD led me…'”
GENESIS 24:26-27
This phrase “Blessed be the Lord” became a standard stock-phrase in the spoken and written language of the Jews.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul”
PSALM 103:1; 104:1“Behold, bless be the LORD,
All you servants of the LORD…”
PSALM 134:1
Another phrase that is closely linked contains the idea of great thanksgiving. To bless the name of the Lord carried the idea of giving thanks to Him.
“Oh, give thanks to the LORD!
Call upon His name…”
PSALM 105:1
How was this phrase employed? The following may be observed:-
1. With reverence and wonder
The phrase may be well used, but it was always used with a great sense of wonder and reverence. The writer is exquisitely conscious of the greatness of the Lord.
2. In humility and worship
This phrase was never bandied about carelessly. The tone of worship and reverence is unmistakable.
3. With joy and thanksgiving
The writer seeks to acknowledge God’s hand of blessing. He cannot but be filled with a heart of thanksgiving to God.
“THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST”- FRESH AND CURRENT
This fresh and current phrase was beautifully added to the vintage Jewish to make it a wondrously typical Pauline expression. Consciousness of both Father and Son was both distinct and harmonious.