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Reading - For the Praise of His Glory (Ephesians 1:11-14)
There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it
doesn't matter who gets the credit". (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Ephesians 1 is the "in Christ" passage of Scripture to top them all.
So many issues are settled here and the Christian believer can take
from this chapter an incredible confidence in God's plan. We are told
that every blessing in the heavenly realm is a gift from God to all
who are "in Christ" (v 3). That those in that blessed position were
chosen "in him" before the creation of the world (v 4). That it pleased
God to do this (there was no obligation on his part) and, therefore,
it is something "freely given" (vv 5-6). That this gift of forgiveness
was "lavished on us" out of the "riches of God's grace" (vv 7-8). That
he chose us "according to the plan of him who works out everything in
conformity with the purpose of his will" (v 11).
I suppose there has never been a time when someone didn't press on us
the discovery of a "lost truth". "Read this book", they claim, "and
find out God's true purpose for your life". "At last!" the blurb declares,
"the true message of the Bible revealed". The temptation to think of
ourselves as having the "inside track" on God's plan is strong and,
for some, the temptation is too much. Crusades, missions, broadcasts
and whole movements have been founded on the claims of this or that
leader to have a clear insight on God's blueprint for creation.
Well Paul was there first and after him there seems to be no more mystery
to uncover. In verse 9 of this chapter he declares:
"And he (God) made known to us the mystery of
his will which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the
times will have reached their fulfilment - to bring all things in heaven
and on earth together under one head, even Christ."
Move over vain humanity. Its not about us, its about him.
Roger is an MS sufferer and when we first knew him we were stunned by
his testimony. With tears in his eyes he asked, "Why me?" Probably like
you we thought he was questioning the cruel blow God had allowed life
to deal him. But Roger completed his thought, "Why should God have saved
me?" That was the depth of his understanding and his gratitude. Why
indeed. Why does God save anyone?
"In order that we, who were the first to hope
in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory" (v 12).
As you go into this week consider Ralph Waldo Emerson's challenge and
think what we could accomplish if we sought to do everything "To the praise
of his glorious grace…" (v 6).