God our Father deserves our praise - 6 July 2017
Ewald Schmidt
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)
Some Christians ask where in the Bible, God is revealed as the Trinity. In this beautiful hymn in Ephesians 1:3-14 we find that Paul calls to mind the unique attributes of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This remains a beautiful mystery that God, being One, reveals himself in three different and distinguishable Persons. Paul gives some attributes of each Person of God in this hymn, and calls for a reaction when we become aware of what God has done for us.
The Creator of heaven and earth reveals himself to us as a Father. He is so much more than an impersonal force somewhere out in the universe. God is introduced to us in Scripture as a Father, who yearns to have children. “Father” is a strong word, which implies a relationship. He has created us to be His image, and to live in a loving relationship with Him. He finds delight in blessing his children. The prime example of his Fatherly love is that he has shared his Son with us. Our lives gain a sense of true purpose when we know Jesus as our Lord, and we live in a relationship with him. Paul describes it throughout the Epistle to the Ephesians, that we have a new status as living an abundant life “in Christ”. When we know and believe in Jesus, our Heavenly Father blesses us with all the spiritual blessings of the heavenly realms.
Paul is very clear about this: God holds nothing back when he wants to bless his children. What would all the spiritual blessings in Christ entail for us? Examples of the Father’s blessings would be our life itself, health, peace, joy, love, hope and so much more. God has given us life, and the Father provides for every need we may have - to live, serve him and be truly happy. Therefore, when we become aware of the Father’s love, Paul encourages us to praise him. He deserves all our honour and praise. Rick Warren loves to say that praise is not just a song we sometimes sing, it is a way of life, aimed at honouring God through everything we say and do.
Prayer: Father, we praise you for all your goodness and mercy in our lives. Thank you that you have given us everything that we need to live, to love and to serve you! Amen