Coffee With The Lord

What’s on the “back cover” of a good book?”

You just got a new book… Its topic has piqued your interest – You’ve heard about the author – so you pick the book up, look at the cover, turn it over, and read what the publisher has to say about the author and its contents.  You know what I’m talking about – those brief comments and summary on the back of the cover.

Well today I encountered something like that as I read the first two verses of the “book” (“epistle” actually) of Ephesians – “Apostle Paul” (you’ve heard of him), the human writer, had quite a reputation – He’s written quite a bit of stuff in the New Testament!  In some ways his first couple of verses of the epistle are a lot like the comments on the back cover of many books we read.

What do they say?  What do they tell us?  Let me help you there…

First of all who is the human writer?  “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.”  This guy has quite a resume!  Former persecutor of Christians … Dramatic, powerful encounter (i.e. revelation) with the risen Jesus Christ… Divine appointment as an “apostle” – “apostle to the Gentiles” actually, (while being a Jew)… Church planter and missionary par excellence!… The church in Ephesus is in fact a church he planted (quite a story – all of ancient Asia was impacted with the gospel in less than three years while he was there – Acts 19)!  Paul is the human writer (inspired by the Holy Spirit) of this epistle!

And who was Apostle Paul writing to (and about) in Ephesians?  

For the most part, Paul writes to Gentiles (not God’s covenant people Israel).  The way he refers to them is remarkable – “Saints” (Holy Ones) – made holy, considered holy by the grace of God in Christ… and “holy” (righteous) while living in a pagan city (Ephesus!).  On top of that they are referred to as “faithful in Christ Jesus.”  Apostle Paul’s epistle – Ephesians – gives hope to Gentile believers everywhere!

And the blessing he confers upon these redeemed and transformed gentiles?  “Grace” and “peace!”  Grace – the unmerited favor and provision of God, but more than that – everything they need to do God’s will and fulfill His purposes for their lives!  And “Peace” – the equivalent ancient Hebrew blessing (“Shalom”). He assures them of the divinely conferred welfare and provision of the risen Lord in a troubled world with all its challenges!

Now after reading those words at the outset of this little book, I’m guessing you’ll want to read Ephesians carefully, reflect on its contents, and apply its message to your life!  I don’t know of a publisher who could have done it better (or more succinctly) at selling its content and message on “the back cover” of a modern book!  Take it from someone who has read and studied it carefully – its message can change your life!  That’s my “two bits!”