ODJ: signature
December 7, 2011
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace (v.2).
READ: Ephesians 1:1-14
Some people develop ‘catch phrases’ that capture what matters to them. A news reader ends every broadcast with “And that’s the way it was” to remind viewers that he delivers the important facts of each day. A financial advisor on the radio answers a listener’s question of “How are you?” with “Better than I deserve”—focusing attention on the unmerited grace of God.
The apostle Paul had his own signature phrase. Check the opening verses of any of his letters and you’re sure to read, “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace” (Ephesians 1:2). There are occasional variations—he adds “mercy” to “grace and peace” when he’s giving a special greeting to his beloved Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2)—but this standard salutation is a reliable indicator that you’re reading a letter from Paul.
The apostle often repeated this greeting because he wanted us to savour each part of it. May God our Father: The God of the universe is our daddy. He adopted us as His children, and though our sin may lead us astray, He eagerly runs to meet us whenever we turn toward home. He is never happier than when we crawl onto His lap and curl up in His strong arms of love.
And the Lord Jesus Christ: Our crucified Saviour rose as King of the world. We gladly bow and worship Him, submitting every part of our lives to His reign as we wait for His glorious return.
Give you grace and peace: Our world ranks every person and performance, but God loves and accepts us just as we are. When we pass His peace on to others, forgiving as we have been forgiven, we enjoy the flourishing wholeness and delight of being God’s child. —Mike Wittmer
Consider the integral relationship between the fatherhood of God, the lordship of Christ, and grace and peace. How does each depend on the other? Which do you need most to remember today?
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