March 11, 2026
- djohnstoncc
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
SPECIAL GIFTS
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. That is why the Scriptures say, ‘When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.”
Ephesians 4:7-8 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Paul uses the imagery of a Roman "Triumphal Procession." When a king won a great battle, he would march back into the city leading his defeated enemies (the captives) and carrying the "spoils of war." He would then distribute that treasure to his people.
1. Captured Captivity
Paul says that when Jesus ascended, He "led a crowd of captives." Think about what used to hold you captive:
Fear
Sin
Death
Shame
On the cross and through the resurrection, Jesus "captured" these things. He took the very things that held us prisoners and put them in His victory parade. You aren't just "free"; you are ypart of the Victor's kingdom.
2. The Generosity of Christ
The "spoils" that Jesus won are the Grace Gifts (the charis) that He now distributes to the Church.
It’s Personal: He has given "each one of us" a special gift.
It’s Proportional: The gift is measured out according to Christ’s generosity, not our merit.
3. Diversity is the Plan
Unity is not the same as uniformity. If everyone was a hand, the body couldn't hear. If everyone was an eye, the body couldn't walk. Jesus intentionally gave different gifts to different people so that we would be forced to depend on one another.
Your gift wasn't given to you, for you; it was given to you, for us.
Reflection for Today
Do you know what "treasure" the King placed in your hands after His victory? You aren't a spectator in the Kingdom; you are a gifted recipient of the Victor’s spoils. When you use your gift, you are putting Christ’s victory on display.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to comprehend the victory Christ has won for me. Help me to discern the gifts He has given to me. Help me to use these gifts to advance His kingdom on earth.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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