That Is Why It Says

6.8.2011

Ephesians 4:8 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.”

The Bible is all about Jesus Christ; He is the Overarching Subject of the whole of the Scriptures. When Paul was ministering, there was no such thing as the Old Testament (nor was there such thing as the New Testament); all there was, was the Scriptures; and those Scriptures we about Jesus Christ. God never intended to just let the thing play out (the fall, redemption, etc.) without being a Major Player. He is the Major Player. God is the Most Valuable Player because without Him none of us would play at all!

I digress. The Old Testament is interpreted in and through the New – that is why Paul said, “This is why it (the Scripture) says…” In modern America we might not readily identify with his statement, “When He ascended on high, He led captives in His train and gave gifts to men.” I haven’t the time or space today to go into all that but I can say that this Old Testament statement is interpreted by Paul, in what would become the New Testament.

If we focus on verse 7 of Ephesians 4, then we understand where Paul was going and what he meant by what he wrote: But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. (Eph 4:7 NIV) When we realize this, we realize that we all are players in God’s plan. The Old and New Testaments are about Jesus Christ and the Old is interpreted by the New (or at least given clarity); and Paul said we are all given a measure of grace (favor and enablement) by Jesus Christ in order to accomplish God’s plan of redeeming the world to Himself.

So the bottom line is we need the New Testament to open our minds to what was said in the Old; and to remember that New or Old, we are all given gifts by Jesus Christ to use as members of His family and His Team (if we want to borrow a more modern term.) Teams are not families – but they can be. Families are not teams; but the can be! And God has chosen for those who believe to be equipped to share His message through their lives and lifestyles and to accomplish His will on earth – that is why it says…

Father in Heaven,
You have a plan and a purpose to everything in my life. You have invited me to be participant in all You do. Help me God to get it, that not one thing in my life is overlooked or unimportant. Help me to serve You readily right where I am and to rejoice in all You are doing in me with the gifts You’ve given – through Christ, amen.