Years ago my friend, Maria, sent me a note through my sister, who came to visit in the summer. The message came with some sweet desserts from Korea, but the best part was hearing from Maria. I hadn’t seen her in at least a year. Maria and I had attended the same Sunday School class for years. Early on, she kindly provided the copy of her book when there were no more study guides left. To have a message from her was precious to me. To have it delivered by my own sister, so I could hear more about how things were, was a beautiful gift.
Saying goodbye is not easy. Paul closes the letter to the Ephesians by explaining that he is sending Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord to them. He wants the church at Ephesus to know how he is and Tychicus will be able to encourage their hearts.
Ephesians 6:21-24 ESV
“So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.”
Though the letter has been long, there is much that has been left unsaid. Tychicus would be able to relay information that Paul did not include.
The whole Bible is a letter from God. Let’s cherish the gift of the Holy Spirit that Christ has sent to us! He is able to minister to our souls. The Holy Spirit has been with God and now He dwells within us, teaching us what the Father speaks.
John 14:15-17
“’If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
John 14:25-26
“’All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
As he closes the letter, Paul’s words are a prayer for the church.
We have studied Ephesians together for a while now. It has been convicting for me in many ways. It is by grace through faith that we are saved. It is not a result of works, or we would have something to boast about. Our redemption story is written by God, our loving Creator, cried out for by Christ, our resurrected Savior, and assured of by the Holy Spirit, Who speaks truth to our very being. I’m so thankful for the challenging, convicting words of God in this book.
A Prayer
Dear Father, Thank you for the love and mercy You have shown me. Thank You for making me part of your Church. I am so thankful for Your Word, which is a light for my path. Thank You for providing the Holy Spirit to teach me. Your grace and love are abundant. I’m so glad to be Your child through Christ Jesus. In His Holy Name, Amen.
Questions to Ponder
What words have been the most comforting to you during our study of Ephesians?
How can you encourage someone today with the Word?
Works Cited
Foulkes, F. (1989). Ephesians: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 10, p.186). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
