Two themes stand out this week:
1. Leading a life worthy of God’s blessings and calling is not an easy task. Even King David, blessed with riches and wives, failed as he stole another man’s wife and then had the man murdered. Yet, God calls to us still, offering the grace to use our gifts for building the body of Christ, for strengthening and building God’s great love—the church. As we reflect upon the gifts we are given, we are reminded that God’s grace comes to us as the bread of life, as the water that quenches every thirst, as the nourishment of Christ Jesus in our lives—always giving, always strengthening, always feeding our greatest needs. When we receive this blessing of gracious nourishment from Christ, we are then able to truly lead lives worthy of the calling to which we have been.
- Unity and Growth in Christ. In Ephesians, Paul emphasises the importance of living a life worthy of the calling we have received. He urges believers to maintain unity through humility, gentleness, patience, and love. This unity is not just for the sake of harmony but is rooted in the one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all. Paul also speaks about the different gifts given to believers to equip them for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, becoming mature and attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ1. In John, Jesus speaks about being the Bread of Life. He encourages the crowd to seek the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give them. Jesus explains that the work of God is to believe in the one He has sent. He contrasts the manna given to the Israelites in the wilderness with the true bread from heaven, which gives life to the world. Jesus declares that He is the Bread of Life, and whoever comes to Him will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Him will never be thirsty.
Both passages highlight the centrality of Christ in the life of believers. In Ephesians, the unity and growth of the church are centered on Christ, who equips and matures His body. In John, Jesus is the source of spiritual sustenance and life. The theme of unity in Christ and spiritual nourishment through Him connects these passages, emphasizing that true life and growth come from a deep relationship with Jesus. How do you see these themes playing out in your own faith journey?