Daily Bread – April 25, 2023 (The Third Day – Genesis 1:9-13) Ephesians 3:14-15 – For this favor, I bow my knee to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from Whom the whole family in Heaven and on Earth are named. Paul considered it a privilege to have been allowed to bring the Ephesians the Gospel no matter the cost. The Greek word ‘charin,’ which means “favor,” is derived from the Greek word ‘charis,’ which means “grace.” It is by the favor and grace of God that we are allowed to be the representatives of Jesus Christ to the world. “Named” refers to the title given to all those who have already gone into Heaven beginning with Abel, who is the first man of faith in the Bible. We can not be certain as to whether or not this also includes angels, but we may conclude that all of mankind that has been redeemed by Jesus Christ is included. This same Greek word is used in Mark 3:14 when Jesus gave His twelve disciples the title of apostles, “to whom He gave the name apostles.” When we bear God’s Name and have received the title He has given to us, we both belong to Him and function in His authority. Jesus Himself has been given a Name that is above every name. The disciples were told to rejoice in the fact that their names were written in Heaven. God’s people are commissioned to go and preach in the Name of Jesus, which also represents His authority. This is not unique to the Church, for God had also placed His Name on the children of Israel (Numbers 6:27; Isaiah 43:7, 44:5). Blessings, Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Daily Bread 4/25/2023
