“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land I will show you. And I will make of you a great nations, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. … and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:1-2)

“Uh-huh,” I would respond if I were Abram. “Let me get this straight: you want me to give it all up – my home, my significance, my security, my wealth, my future? Just give it up? … for nothing but a PROMISE?!” I know I would respond that way because I continue to respond that way — even though now I enjoy the present benefits of the first fruits of that very promise.

This is precisely what is in Paul’s mind when he opens his letter to the Ephesians in which he will exhort them to love, unity, humility, mutual submission and self-denying service – and all that with joy!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has [already, mind you] blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places!” (Eph 1:3)
(We should keep in mind when that when Paul speaks about “spiritual” things he is not referring to things that have no earthly relevance; for the fact is that the blessings he has in mind actually produce profound, visible, measurable change in individuals, families, and communities – because they are blessings from the creator by which people are made new!)

Having then received the promised blessing in measure that goes far beyond what any of us could ever think, imagine, or dream because of the Father’s super-abounding generosity toward us in Jesus Christ, come, let us worship and lay our lives down in service to the King that the nations may taste and see the goodness of the Lord and be glad.

Order of Worship for 08.31.08