Tidings for Tuesday
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:1
Written almost two thousand years ago, this letter is addressed specifically to you. Paul directs his remarks to two groups, to the Assembly meeting in Ephesus and to those who are faithful in Christ Jesus. The Assembly in Ephesus has long since vanished, the saints to whom Paul directed the letter have been in the Glory these many centuries. But the members of the second group are still here, and include us.
The faithful in Christ Jesus is a lovely term. It speaks of those who, in a world that rejects and despises our Saviour, have accepted His lordship and recognize His deity and intercessory work on our behalf. In total, this term takes in all of those who are saved. In practical terms, it refers to those whose lives are bright testimonies to Him.
The world does not make it easy for us to be faithful, with all of its attractions and vanities to draw us away from our Saviour’s side, and with its rejection and ridicule of our Lord’s claims upon us. But God notices and appreciates those who are faithful. He always has. And he always will, even though things get dark and wearisome sometimes. God never forgets His own.
The faithful in Christ Jesus refers to those who are faithful in attending the Assembly meetings, where He has promised to be in attendance. This term also applies to those who faithfully support Gospel meetings and the Gospel preachers. It refers to those who devote daily time to prayer and study of the Word. It refers to those who show the Love of Christ by their deeds of kindness and compassion to the poor, sick, and grieving. It refers to all who will live Godly in Christ Jesus.
This term – the faithful in Christ Jesus – refers to you. How well does it describe you? -Jim MacIntosh