February 25, 2019 -- Ephesians 1:3-4 -- Wisdom or weeds?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.

Ephesians 1:3-4 ESV

What a glorious teaching we find here in Ephesians 1. God is pouring out on believers every spiritual blessing. These blessings are anchored in Jesus Christ, who is seated at the Father’s right hand in heaven. These blessings are communicated to us by the Holy Spirit, Who by His Presence in us and the beautiful Word of Truth, keeps us connected intimately with Jesus.

To my shock I have heard parents, who themselves claim to be Christians, say things like: “We are not forcing our children to go to church, we are letting them decide what they want.” Why rob them of the inheritance which can be theirs?! Listen to this magnificent quotation from John Flavel:

If you neglect to instruct [your children] in the way of holiness,

will the devil neglect to instruct them in the way of wickedness?

No; if you will not teach them to pray, he will to curse, swear and lie;

if ground be uncultivated weeds will spring.

John Flavel (1630 - 1691 a clergyman, puritan and author)

Ah, Dearest Father in heaven, how great are the riches You lavish on us in Jesus Christ. Great Father of Mercy, thank You for the Spirit Who unites us in Christ and keeps us near the spout where Your blessings pour out and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ is brought to fruition. Forgive us for the times we have lacked vision. Forgive us for our lazy attitudes. Forgive us for our blasphemous thoughts of “letting our children decide”. These little ones are made in Your image and You love them! Today, once again, let us renew our zealous commitment to instruct our children, and by extension, ourselves, in the fullness of the knowledge of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name and for His glory we pray: Amen.