Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel."
Text: Ephesians 3:6
AN APPRECIATION OF THE WORD “PROMISE”
Sometimes we take for granted words that have become very familiar over frequent usage. One such word is “promise” (“epaggelia”). This is a very rich word. We may actually discern at least three outstanding features associated with this word:-
1. An announcement
When God first gave Abram a promise, it began as “an announcement”. When God said that He would bless him and his descendants, it was indeed an astonishing announcement.
2. A promise
As Abram grew in his knowledge of God, and as his faith deepened, he began to appreciate that God’s word to him was much more than an announcement. It was nothing less than a promise that he could build his whole life upon!
3. A pledge
Though God graciously blessed Abraham most abundantly, the latter knew that his good fortunes in life came as a result of the fact that God had stood by every word uttered as a promise. God’s word was good! It was nothing less than a pledge from Him!
APPLYING THE IDEA OF THE WORD “PROMISE”
Let’s try and apply these ideas behind the word “promise” in the above text:
1. “That Gentiles should be fellow heirs”
a) Announcement
b) Promise
c) Pledge
2. “Of the same body”
a) Announcement
b) Promise
c) Pledge
3. “Partakers of His Promise”
a) Announcement
b) Promise
c) Pledge
God backs every promise that He has made in the Lord Jesus Christ! We may take every promise of God “to the bank”.