In central Oregon there are “three sisters” — a trio of mountain peaks clustered together in majestic display. When the apostle Paul opens his letter to the Ephesian believers, his inspired words form a grand hymn with three stanzas which lead us into praise of the Tri-une God.
Stanza one (1:3-6) pays tribute to God the Father, “who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”
Stanza two (1:7-12) highlights God the Son, in whom “we have redemption.”
Stanza three (1:13-14) honors the Holy Spirit, “who is the guarantee of our inheritance.”
All three stanzas peak with a similar doxology: “to the praise of His glory” (1:6,12, 14)!
This praise hymn establishes the elevated height of the power and goodness of God, a three-peak Everest of the glory of Father, Son, and Spirit.
For every truth there is a counter-truth. As we study Ephesians, we want to expose false beliefs which seek to erode God’s truths. Considering today’s passage,
- it would be false to think that God is not powerful, good, or worthy of all praise.
- It would be false to believe that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have not lavished us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
Covid-19 has not knocked God down from the height of His glory. I do not believe He is punishing humanity with this virus. Rather, our redemptive, loving God is now beckoning all of us to bow in a new, deeper way before His grandeur, and humbly look up and see His face.
Let this be our song as we behold the grandeur of God:
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Ps. 1221:1).
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