12-31-21 Today in the Word

Give Thanks! Friday, December 31 | Ephesians 1:3–1 We have a family video that I always enjoy watching. It is of my oldest daughter when she was about six years old opening a Christmas gift. She received a stuffed animal that she had been wanting for some time. When she opened it, she hugged it and danced all around the room saying, “Thank you!” Her gratitude was spontaneous, exuberant, and genuine. This month we have been reflecting on the many gifts we have received through the coming of Jesus. We have looked at the ways in which God has kept His promises. We have considered the ways in which God’s love was displayed through Jesus. We have celebrated the fact that we have been adopted into a new family. And we have rejoiced that God has given us a purpose to fulfill. The appropriate response to all of this is to be filled with exuberant and genuine thankfulness! In today’s reading, Paul bursts forth in gratitude for what God has done: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (v. 3). That verse summarizes our month’s study quite well. Every blessing we enjoy comes from God. He chose us (v. 3). He “predestined us for adoption to sonship” (v. 5). He redeemed us (v. 7). He lavished us with grace (v. 8). He revealed to us the “mystery of his will” (v. 9). He has given us the Holy Spirit (v. 13). All of these benefits and more have come to us because of the person and work of Jesus Christ. These blessings were given to us not simply for our enjoyment, but so that we would be equipped to take part in God’s mission to the world while we look forward to our eternal inheritance (v. 14). >> Take a few minutes today to give thanks to the Lord for all that you have received. G. K. Chesterton once wrote, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Pray with Us Every blessing comes from You, God. You alone are our most treasured gift. We thank You for saving us from sin and adopting us as Your children. Our hearts spill over with thankfulness for who You are and all You have done.

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