June 11 Benediction

Ephesians 6:23-24 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
 
PAUL ends his letter with essentially the same blessing with which he began. See Ephesians 1:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
    Love is at the heart of this blessing, isn’t it? Peace comes when we love God and one another. With this vertical and horizontal love, we will imitate God, who is love. Peace results from our one Father and one Lord Jesus as they acted to atone for – to pay for - sin’s deadly conflict in our souls. In Jesus’ loving sacrifice, we have the power and the wisdom to live “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2) Our souls, then, come to rest our Lord’s blessing, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) In God’s grace, his peace is forever in you. In God’s grace, you live in peace with the one body, Jesus’ church, under one Spirit.  
    Now we know this wonderful vision for Jesus’ church isn’t the way it really is. As people with various skills, knowledge and understanding of God, we don’t always agree about how to “do church” do we? Knowing God’s grace and his peace will, though, be the fruit of the church if we will keep our eyes set on God’s gracious design and purpose for each person. In godly peace, submissive to our Lord, we will work through our differences. We will encourage and strengthen each other. We will pray with and for each person called by our one Lord. Loving our Lord, we are reminded of his extraordinary grace to save us. In response, our hearts will worship and “love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.”
     “Undying love” – consider that for a minute or two. “Undying love” means your peace in Jesus never stops.  
   
Prayer: Oh Lord, how can I ever thank you for the peace you have given my soul? Grant my heart love and joy that I will experience your peace this day. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.