“This is why it says: ‘When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.’”
Ephesians 4:8
What is Jesus doing now? That’s the question we’re asking this week. What is occupying His mind now that He has ascended?
We are. That’s why Jesus promised the Spirit and poured Him out at Pentecost. Abundance marked His earthly ministry and continues to characterize His ministry from heaven. Take spiritual gifts, for example.
We discover there are several lists of spiritual gifts in the Bible (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Ephesians 4:4-6, and 1 Peter 4:10-11). We read of gifts for church leaders and for their flock, gifts of service, and gifts of leading. Paul even mentions the gift of being single. We have been given gifts in abundance to carry out and continue Jesus’ kingdom work here on earth.
“What gift do I have?” we typically ask. But today I want to ask, “Why do we have any gifts at all?” We have been endowed with gifts because our ascended Lord left His imprint on us through them. In heaven He daily bears our burdens (see Psalm 68:18-19) so that our gifts can be a blessing to others in this life.
We are. That’s why Jesus promised the Spirit and poured Him out at Pentecost. Abundance marked His earthly ministry and continues to characterize His ministry from heaven. Take spiritual gifts, for example.
We discover there are several lists of spiritual gifts in the Bible (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Ephesians 4:4-6, and 1 Peter 4:10-11). We read of gifts for church leaders and for their flock, gifts of service, and gifts of leading. Paul even mentions the gift of being single. We have been given gifts in abundance to carry out and continue Jesus’ kingdom work here on earth.
“What gift do I have?” we typically ask. But today I want to ask, “Why do we have any gifts at all?” We have been endowed with gifts because our ascended Lord left His imprint on us through them. In heaven He daily bears our burdens (see Psalm 68:18-19) so that our gifts can be a blessing to others in this life.
Scripture Focus
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Insight
Ask Jesus to show you what gifts He has given you, and seek the Holy Spirit’s wisdom to use them for His glory.
Bible In A Year
- Joshua 23-24
- Psalm 108
- Romans 9-10
