Some people develop “catch phrases” that crystallize what matters to them. A news anchor ends every telecast with “And that’s the way it was” to remind viewers that he delivers the important facts of each day. A financial counselor on the radio answers a listener’s question of “How are you?” with “Better than I deserve”—focusing attention on the unmerited grace of God.
The apostle Paul had his own signature phrase. Check the opening verses of any of his letters and you’re sure to read, “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace” (Ephesians 1:2). There are occasional variations—he adds “mercy” to “grace and peace” when he’s cranking up a special greeting to his beloved Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2)—but this standard salutation is a reliable indicator that you’re reading a letter from Paul.
The apostle often repeated this greeting because he wanted us to savor each part of it.
May God our Father: The God of the universe is our daddy. He adopted us as His children, and though our sin may lead us astray, He eagerly runs to meet us whenever we turn toward home. He is never happier than when we crawl onto His lap and curl up in His strong arms of love.
And the Lord Jesus Christ: Our crucified Savior rose as King of the world. We gladly bow and worship Him, submitting every part of our lives to His reign as we wait for His glorious return.
Give you grace and peace: Our world grades every person and performance, but God loves and accepts us just as we are. When we pass His peace on to others, forgiving as we have been forgiven, we enjoy the flourishing wholeness and delight of being God’s child.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
More:
Read Psalm 68 and consider how each element of Paul’s signature greeting is rooted in the Old Testament.
Next:
Consider the integral relationship between the fatherhood of God, the lordship of Christ, and grace and peace. How does each depend on the other? Which do you need most to remember today?
loananna on December 7, 2011 at 9:35 am
Mike, Thank you for this wonderful devotion. In reading this and eph 1:11 yelled out to me…I re-read it in several versions of the Bible. The Lord had predestined us for himself. This was all planned according to the purpose of God from the beginning, nothing new. He loves us!!!
tom felten on December 7, 2011 at 9:38 am
Thanks for this reminder, Mike—particularly this time of year. It’s easy to get lost in the busyness and twinkling lights of the Christmas season, taking our eyes off the amazing reality of knowing a loving Father and risen Savior who deserve our praise as we dwell in Their presence!
mike wittmer on December 7, 2011 at 8:40 pm
loanna:
That is a remarkable truth. I feel my mind blank out (you know that poofing sound when it smacks against the ceiling?) as I tried to imagine it. Can’t do it. Simply amazing, sovereign grace.
bearpair on December 10, 2011 at 3:51 pm
Mike, thank you for bringing these wonderful “signature” lines from the apostle Paul. I can only imagine how reassurung they were to those early, persecuted Christians as they would unroll the latest messages from their beloved brother in chains.