Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of June 6, 2021

Weekly reading: Ephesians 1-6; Psalm 25
Passages referenced: Ephesians 2:4-6; 4:4-6; 6:12, 18

Have you ever watched a food documentary and immediately wanted to make changes to your diet? Or listened to a podcast that finally motivated you to make your dreams a reality? Have you ever had an experience that inspired you to live life a little differently?

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminds us of the transforming power of the Gospel. It’s no food documentary, but inspiring to say the least.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-6)

This verse illustrates such a beautiful picture of the Gospel. How incredible is it that we can be seated with Christ in the heavenly realms through God’s grace alone? We were dead, and He made us alive. Because of this story of grace, our story is reshaped in every way.

In fact, Paul describes us as being one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God. (see Ephesians 4:4-6) Our gifts and differences contribute to the diversity and impact of the church, but ultimately we are unified by Christ. How much better does a body function when all the parts work together? Jesus came to unite us and reshape us to live more fruitful lives not only for ourselves but for the good of the entire family of God.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)

God desires for us to be unified, working together to build the church with Jesus as the cornerstone. Although it often feels like we’re at odds with each other, or even ourselves, we’re actually battling spiritual forces of evil. Paul tells us to “be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18) because we’re all united against the same thing.

After reading Ephesians, I felt inspired not only by the Gospel, but by the desire God has for us to be one. United in Christ, united in our new story, and united against evil. – Kelsey Swanson