MEDITATIONS ON EPHESIANS
By Henry Law, 1884
Ephesians 1:1—14. Spiritual Blessings in Christ
Ephesians 1:15—23. Thanksgiving and Prayer
Ephesians 2:1—10. Dead in Sin—Alive in Christ
Ephesians 2:11—22. One in Christ
Ephesians 3:1—13. Paul, the Preacher to the
Gentiles
Ephesians 3:14—21. Paul's prayer for the Ephesians
PREFACE—Wide
and diversified is the work belonging to the Church of Christ. In the
household of God there is no pillow for the indolent. The term, 'an idle
Christian', involves a contradiction. It has scarcely more meaning than a
rayless sun—a waveless ocean—a noiseless waterfall—a rose without perfume.
In this community each member has his appointed place. "We are His
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before
ordained that we should walk in them." "Not slothful in business, fervent in
spirit, serving the Lord," is the universal rule. The final welcome is,
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
But my present object restricts thought to pastoral work.
The selection of its subject arose from desire to sanctify Family Worship.
He is the best of friends who helps his friend to pray. It may be presumed
that such worship is an established institution in every Christian
household. Countless are the resulting blessings. Its neglect would be
grievous shame—base ingratitude—and sad loss. It is scarcely possible to
conceive an exercise more sweet—more happy—more edifying. Many and loud are
the calls to it. For what spiritual joy can be greater than for the members
of a house to unite in offering grateful praise for the common blessings
which each morning and evening should commemorate, and to combine in joint
supplication for protection from the perils which the day and night may
bring. Especial needs will continually occur. Rich is the mercy that we are
permitted with united cry to bring such need before the Throne of Grace.
Family Worship is not restricted to prayer and praise.
Spiritual instruction should be sought—a portion of the life-giving Word
should be read and opened out in simplicity and reverence. The Bible should
have its due place. Here is a Book suited for every age and every station.
No period can say that there is no further room for its instructions. The
AGED have not advanced beyond its sacred teaching. The YOUNGEST should be
like Timothy, early instructed in the truths which are able to make wise
unto salvation. The RICH may gather here treasures of knowledge surpassing
all earthly pelf. The POOR may receive wisdom which may enrich them to
eternal life. The highest GENIUS may find revelations which no intellect of
man could have devised. The SIMPLEST in mind may learn the story of
redeeming love. Ignorance of Scripture is the malady and the misery of
this age. It is alike its peril and its shame. The man who is a walking
Bible is a grand power. Thus there is no household which does not need
Bible-teaching; and there should be no Family Worship in which such is not
imparted.
This volume is designed to contribute aid to these
readings. It is therefore needless to say that its method and arrangement
are most simple. It is confined to impressing in familiar terms the grand
themes of the text. It strays not into diffuse amplification. It only
solicits attention to what the Word declares. All attempts to 'display of
learning', if such had been possible, are utterly rejected. Here is no show
of erudition; nor controversial discussion of profound doctrines. The main
desire is to open out and enforce what God has been pleased to reveal. There
may be seeming repetition, but the repetition only reflects the revelations
of the text. May the Holy Spirit bless the portion here selected!