7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)
According to several commentaries I have read in regards to this set of verses from Ephesians, it points to the diversity of the Christian church. Each one has been given gifts from Christ, but these gifts are not the same and in the same proportion to each of us. While other passages from the New Testament deal with these differences in greater detail, it is important to remember that each of us has his/her own strengths and weaknesses.
The challenge for me it to celebration those who have particular strength that I don't possess. I have this warped inner sense of wanting to be the best, most knowledgeable person in the room. This often causes me to either lash out in a defensive response or discount what the person is presenting. Some of the best people I know are ones who listen to and encourage those around them who have a better skill set, knowledge base or background. This passage from Ephesians has a some real-world application for me.
Psalm 68:6 God sets the lonely in families I wonder if this is the message that would resonate with the men and women we are meeting at the Sunday lunches.
Psalm 68:7 When you, God, went out before your people God has gone before me into my work day. There are no surprises for him. If I would better seek his guidance at the start of each day, perhaps the day would be a much smoother ride.
Psalm 68:18
When you ascended on high,
you took many captives;
you received gifts from people,
even from the rebellious—
that you, Lord God, might dwell there.
According to several commentaries I have read in regards to this set of verses from Ephesians, it points to the diversity of the Christian church. Each one has been given gifts from Christ, but these gifts are not the same and in the same proportion to each of us. While other passages from the New Testament deal with these differences in greater detail, it is important to remember that each of us has his/her own strengths and weaknesses.
The challenge for me it to celebration those who have particular strength that I don't possess. I have this warped inner sense of wanting to be the best, most knowledgeable person in the room. This often causes me to either lash out in a defensive response or discount what the person is presenting. Some of the best people I know are ones who listen to and encourage those around them who have a better skill set, knowledge base or background. This passage from Ephesians has a some real-world application for me.
Psalm 68:6 God sets the lonely in families I wonder if this is the message that would resonate with the men and women we are meeting at the Sunday lunches.
Psalm 68:7 When you, God, went out before your people God has gone before me into my work day. There are no surprises for him. If I would better seek his guidance at the start of each day, perhaps the day would be a much smoother ride.
Psalm 68:18
When you ascended on high,
you took many captives;
you received gifts from people,
even from the rebellious—
that you, Lord God, might dwell there.
Paul uses this verse (18) to illustrate Christ's descending from heaven to spend time on earth. If that same application is put to God the Father, it would seem to mean that God the Father spent time out of the heavenly realms. EXPLAIN PLEASE
Psalm 68: 9 . . .you refreshed your weary inheritance
Psalm 68:19: Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens
God is majestic, omniscience and omnipotent, but he is still a comforter and restorer. He ordered the universes, but still mends hearts. He set time in motion, but still holds hands. He is not too big to be small.
God is majestic, omniscience and omnipotent, but he is still a comforter and restorer. He ordered the universes, but still mends hearts. He set time in motion, but still holds hands. He is not too big to be small.
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