The Messenger 5
Introduction
How would you define peace? You will find a variety of definitions in different dictionaries. But what is your definition of peace?
However you may define it, one thing is certain about the peace Paul is speaking about here – it really has nothing to do with our outward circumstances. Nor, as the next few words in verse 2 indicate, is it something that can be self-induced, taught or purchased. Many try those sources and methods however.
An interesting conjunction
The grace and peace that Paul is referring to here can only come from one source – God. But take special note of that conjunction “and” that Paul uses in verse 2.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ
In linking the Father and Jesus as the co-source of grace and peace, Paul has not only demonstrated the unique source of grace and peace, but he given us a remarkable insight into the nature of Jesus himself.
Put on your thinking-cap and come with me for a few moments on a brief detour. I am sure the reason for it will become clear to you as we go along.
God is One
The Shema (literally “hear”) is the Hebrew word that begins the most important prayer in Judaism. Built on God’s command in Deut 6:4, it begins, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” This is the very foundation of the Jewish faith.
There are, however, two Hebrew words for ‘one’ – Yachid and Echod. Yachid is used for solitary unity. For example: I have one pencil – solitary unity – yachid. I have one brother – solitary unity – yachid.
Let’s compare that with the word ‘echod.’ In Gen 2:24 the Word says:
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they (i.e. the two of them) will become one flesh.
In some wonderful yet mysterious way, two people, husband and wife, joined together by God, become “one (echod) flesh.” This is composite unity!
So when Deuteronomy declares that the Lord is One (echod) what we have here is not an expression of solitary unity but composite unity. And that is precisely what we are going to discover as we enter through the doorway of those opening verses to Paul’s letter to Ephesians.
Equal source of grace and peace
In pointing us to the Father and Jesus as the equal source of grace and peace, Paul is placing Jesus alongside the Father.
If you think about it is a remarkable statement for Paul, brought up in the strictest of Jewish traditions, to have made. Equally remarkable is the fact that Paul does not confuse the Father and Jesus. The Father is not Jesus and Jesus is not the Father. Do you see that? “Grace and peace from God our Father AND the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Look closely at how Paul speaks of Jesus. He calls him the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Those three words provide us with a profound insight into how the early Church viewed Jesus. Let’s take them individually.
Lord: In calling Jesus Lord, Paul gave to Jesus the highest place of honour reserved only for God. It is a title that clearly and unambiguously recognises the deity of Jesus – his essential God-nature. Jesus, therefore, can never be just a prophet, just a good and holy man, just a miracle- worker, or just a great teacher. He is by nature truly God.
That is why for so many Jesus has become, in the words of Peter, “A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall” (1 Pet 2:8).
Jesus: If the title Lord refers to the deity of Jesus, the name Jesus emphasises the true humanity of Jesus. He who is truly God also became truly Man when he entered this world.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself.. (Phil 2:5-8).
The name ‘Jesus’ has a fascinating meaning. It means ‘Jehovah saves.’
God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself… 2 Cor. 5:19
He is our Immanuel – “God with us.”
Christ: Wonderful as it is to think of the transcendence of Jesus as Lord, and however encouraging it is to think of Jesus in his humanity as ‘God with us’, what would all that mean if there was no victory for the defeated, no sight for the blind, no hope for the lost , no forgiveness for the sinner?
The term Christ is a transliteration of the Greek word Christos meaning ‘anointed one’. Jesus is the One anointed by the Spirit to do the work for which the Father had sent him.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour. Lk 4:18
As we draw this session to a close, let’s reflect on the insights into the true identity of Jesus found in Eph 1:2.
The word ‘AND’ links the Father and Jesus who are distinct yet equal sources of grace and peace; the term Lord defines his Deity; the name Jesus reflects his humanity; the title Christ informs us of his divine activity as Saviour.
Only one God, yet the Father is God and the Lord Jesus Christ is truly God, but the Father is not Jesus and Jesus is not the Father.
Confusing? Or has Paul provided us here with a remarkable insight into the composite unity within the nature of the one and only true God? We will be exploring more of this as we continue in our study.
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