3
How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him.
4
Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.
5
Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!)
6
He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved. (The Message)
