WEEKLY MESSAGE
In this letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul asserts to the Believers that their relationship with Christ has made them beneficiaries of every spiritual blessing that comes from the heavenly places.
I believe it is God's will that every Believer receive this great revelation. It is only then that we will take our rightful place in Christ and live in victory. Unfortunately, there are many Christians who live their lives feeling incomplete and powerless, almost as bankrupt, beggars, simply because they are yet to receive this revelation in their hearts. In their opinion, there is still work to be done on God's part. However, this is contrary to God's word. According to verse 3, Paul is praising God for what He has already done - it is finished! Therefore, the problem rests with us. Now, it is up to us to receive the revelation of what has been accomplished for us and bestowed upon us through our union with Christ.
Once there was a man who decided to travel to another country. He purchased his ticket but did not take the time to learn what he was entitled to with that ticket. So in his ignorance, he assumed the worst and went ahead and purchased crackers and cheese that he thought would be sufficient to sustain him on his journey; before boarding the ship. Throughout the course of his journey - every morning, afternoon, and evening - he would look with longing as the other passengers made their way to the dining room to partake of the abundance of food available. Though there was more than enough for all to eat, this poor and ignorant passenger fed himself on his crackers and cheese while desiring very much for the opportunity to partake of the delicacies available in the dining room.
However, his lack of participation did not go unnoticed. The captain of the ship had seen how he had kept himself away from the dining area and was looking out for him when he disembarked at his destination. The captain thought that he or one of his crew must have offended the man unknowingly. So he called the man aside and began to apologize for whatever they had done that caused him to refuse their hospitality. The captain explained that he never saw him once join in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The unfortunate passenger quickly replied, "Certainly not; no one offended me. I chose not to participate because I perceived that such high quality food must be very costly and I knew that I could never afford it. In total astonishment, the captain replied, "But, sir, the ticket you purchased was all inclusive and the meals were part of the package!"
This story helps us to understand the mind-set of many Believers who are starving themselves on their way to heaven while God has supplied everything for them. The Bible says, "He has blessed us" not "He will bless us." It's already included in the price He paid for us on Calvary. It's an all-inclusive package. In his prayer, Paul expressed his desire for us to know and understand, "...what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power," Ephesians 1:19. Paul wanted us to realize the kind of power that is at our disposal. It is the same power that raised Christ from the dead, loosed Him from the pangs of death and has been made available to all of us Believers.
My Dear Friend: If you received this revelation in your heart, you will triumph over every obstacle of the enemy in your life. There is no unsolvable problem or any impossibility for those who walk in this power; for we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. No wonder the scripture says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13. So it's up to us to receive this revelation and walk in victory.
Bishop Angelo Barbosa
