21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

23 Peace to the brothers and sisters,[a] and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.[b] – Ephesians 6:21 – 24

Ephesians ends with some, apparent, polite formalities but this ending casts a light on all that has preceded.  From the majestic doctrinal sections early on to the clear direction on how we are to respond to the gospel the apostle has taken us all on quite a tour.  We could easily see the writer, the Apostle Paul, as some holy, distant, unapproachable figure.  But here we are given an insight into the close relationship between him and the people of Ephesus.  They cared deeply about him and he loved them.  We should expect this because the gospel is about Jesus’ great love for us.  Jesus giving himself for us, to die for us so we can know peace with our God.  Receiving that peace, living for him will produce the sort of relationships described here.

This a good time for us to reflect on the whole message of Ephesians and ask ourselves what encouragements I have gained.  What should I be thankful about?  How has the gospel impacted the relationships I sustain in my life?  Each of us must ask do I have the type of concern for fellow believers that is expressed in these few verses before us today.

David Johnston – Creek Road Campus