Day By Day By Grace
Bob Hoekstra
April 2, 2010
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.
(Ephesians 1:3)
Living day by day by grace is essentially about developing an intimate
relationship with the Lord. "You also have become dead to the law
through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another, even to
Him who was raised from the dead" (Romans 7:4). We have considered some
of the radical extent of that intimacy through the intriguing phrase
"in Christ." "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have
been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13). Through
this profound uniting with Christ, astounding spiritual riches are now
ours.
This is why Paul offered grateful praise to the Lord. "Blessed be the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Paul's thanksgiving was for
what the Father has given to us: "who has blessed us." Notice, the verb
is in the past tense--this has already happened. What is it that has
already been given to us? It is "every spiritual blessing in the
heavenly places." Think of it. This truth is staggering in its
implications. Every grace resource that heaven has to offer is already
ours here on earth. This does not mean that we are fully aware of all
that has been given to us. Certainly, it does not mean that we are
experiencing all of these blessings. Yet, it does mean that they are
all ours to draw upon for fullness of life here on earth!
The reason these rich blessings are ours is that they all reside in
Christ. In Christ is forgiveness, righteousness, and wisdom. Also,
love, joy, and peace are found in Him. In Christ dwells victory,
discernment, and courage. Moreover, compassion, strength, and
perseverance are part of who He is. All this and far more is found in
Christ. "For it pleased the Father that in Him [in Christ] all the
fullness should dwell" (Colossians 1:19). Now, we dwell in the place
("in Christ") where all of this richness resides: "who has blessed us
with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." All
these spiritual resources of the kingdom of heaven are now ours "in
Christ." "And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for
[upon] grace" (John 1:16).
Dear Father, I too want to bless You for bestowing all of this richness
upon me. Lord, forgive me for the spiritual poverty that I too often
experience. Teach me to draw upon these limitless treasures of Your
grace. I want to honor You with an abundant walk in Christ's fullness,
Amen.
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