Humbly

"He gave gifts to men," Ephesians 4:8.

Who? Who gave gifts? Christ. Jesus, the Christ of God. He gave gifts to people (that is, to his people), to each one of his people, in ways he deemed appropriate. And the purpose of the gifts? to grow his people from self-centered, egotistical, selfish humans, to grow us up into maturity. Into real human beings (re-)created as fully accurate reflections of the Son of God. To grow us into worthy sons and daughters of the king of the ages. And what are the gifts that accomplish this maturing growth? The gifts are people. People with gifted capacities: envoys of Christ, forthright speakers of God's Word, proclaimers of the Good News, shepherds and teachers. Their job? Equip God's holy people for serving. Like Jesus served. Humbly. Sky kingdom.

Today, as the Lord feeds us faithfully, brothers and sisters, we listen to the gifts of his teaching and we mature ever toward him. And, together, we give thanks for his continuing provision.