MY SPECIAL GRACE (Tuesday)

Aug 9, 2022
2 min read

Ephesians 4:7-13

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” What does “he ascended” mean that he also descended to the lower, earthy regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people 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 and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Jesus looked at all of the people in the body (His church) and decided to hand out gifts as people came to Him with their belief in Him. To some, He pronounced that they would be apostles and plant churches. To others, He would give words of prophecy that would foretell God’s plan. Still to others, He gave the gift of shepherding people, just as a shepherd leads his flock of sheep. And to some He gave a gift of being able to relay His truth in a gentle, patient manner, so it would be easy to understand.

Jesus has apportioned at least one gift to me—a portion of His grace has been given to me to use for His glory! Why is Jesus giving me this gift? The Scripture states: To prepare God’s people for works of service. God calls me to use my gift for other people to prepare them for what He has called them to do. Why should I do that? So that the body of Christ (the church) may be built up. Yes, I want to help Jesus build up His church! How long should I do this? Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: Jesus desires me to keep using the gifts He has given me for others for as long as it takes—until I am unified with my brothers and sisters in Christ in two ways: 1) In the faith, and 2) In the knowledge of Jesus. This unity promotes maturity in the body of Christ, building up the church into the fullness of Christ.

My gift is strongest when I use it for Jesus. Using this gift comes so naturally, that I really don’t even recognize its power until I see the fruit it produces in the Kingdom. I am constantly amazed at the grace given to me to use a gift for His Kingdom.

Lord, I just want to spend some time thanking You for this special calling You have given me. I will strive to use my gift to honor You. Amen.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman