The Word - Jan. 3 2007 - (From the Archives)

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us." (Ephesians 1:3)

Paul's brief doxology at the beginning of Ephesians, identifies God the Father as the ultimate recipient and source of blessing; the One to whom blessing is ascribed and the One who bestows blessings on those who love Him.

"Blessed" is translated from the Greek word "euloge [ma]o, from which we get the word eulogy. To bless or eulogize God is to praise Him for His mighty works and holy character. That should be the response of all our hearts just as it has been the response of believers throughout the ages. The psalmist said, "Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer" (Psalm 66:20). Peter said, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3)

God gives us undeserved blessings through His might y deeds of kindness. The Bible identifies Him as the source of every good thing (James 1:17), who works all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).