Word@Work Eph7 - Ephesians 1:9-10
Published: Mon, 10/06/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
CONFIDENCE IN GOD'S WINNING PLAN
Read Ephesians 1:9-10 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, 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. (NIV)
Politicians leak good news in order to keep ahead in the polls. The promise of benefit tomorrow is electoral credit today. However, God has never worked like that. He has no need to impress opinion polls - because He is God. But at the same time, He delights to share what He is going to do (so that when He has done it, people know that it is from God's kind heart and powerful hand). So the Old Testament is littered with open clues about Jesus. Indeed the whole of the Jewish Bible was intended to prepare them to recognise Jesus when He came.
But God has His strategy: while wanting to share the salvation-plan with His friends, it was indecipherable code to His enemies (cf 1 Cor 2:7-8). But the Christian believer is now able to see that the whole Bible is intended to reveal Jesus as Saviour and King. And the story is still not over. The physical revelation of Jesus as King of kings is yet to come. There will be a time (known only to God) when His Kingdom will be completed - and when that comes, everybody will know it!
Until then, we have the huge benefit of being allowed to know the plan, to be a part of the plan and to benefit from it. And even that is a part of God purpose, because the days between here and there may not be easy. The hope of the Christian is the certain confidence that God will complete all that He has started. Suffering, persecution, hardship and grief are all a part of the package that comes as we trust Jesus: if He suffered, so too may we (cf Phil.1:29). Our comfort and encouragement may not come from present circumstances, but from the confidence that He will reward all those who endure and persevere. One day, Christ will be seen as the undisputed King, and Christians will be recognised with honour! So keep on keeping on, with Jesus.
Prayer: Father God. Your Word is such an encouragement to me. To know that my future is as safe as Yours, is wonderful. So help me to keep on trusting You, and keep on speaking about Your kindness and goodness to me - so that my colleagues may desire to be found by You too. In Jesus Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Politicians leak good news in order to keep ahead in the polls. The promise of benefit tomorrow is electoral credit today. However, God has never worked like that. He has no need to impress opinion polls - because He is God. But at the same time, He delights to share what He is going to do (so that when He has done it, people know that it is from God's kind heart and powerful hand). So the Old Testament is littered with open clues about Jesus. Indeed the whole of the Jewish Bible was intended to prepare them to recognise Jesus when He came.
But God has His strategy: while wanting to share the salvation-plan with His friends, it was indecipherable code to His enemies (cf 1 Cor 2:7-8). But the Christian believer is now able to see that the whole Bible is intended to reveal Jesus as Saviour and King. And the story is still not over. The physical revelation of Jesus as King of kings is yet to come. There will be a time (known only to God) when His Kingdom will be completed - and when that comes, everybody will know it!
Until then, we have the huge benefit of being allowed to know the plan, to be a part of the plan and to benefit from it. And even that is a part of God purpose, because the days between here and there may not be easy. The hope of the Christian is the certain confidence that God will complete all that He has started. Suffering, persecution, hardship and grief are all a part of the package that comes as we trust Jesus: if He suffered, so too may we (cf Phil.1:29). Our comfort and encouragement may not come from present circumstances, but from the confidence that He will reward all those who endure and persevere. One day, Christ will be seen as the undisputed King, and Christians will be recognised with honour! So keep on keeping on, with Jesus.
Prayer: Father God. Your Word is such an encouragement to me. To know that my future is as safe as Yours, is wonderful. So help me to keep on trusting You, and keep on speaking about Your kindness and goodness to me - so that my colleagues may desire to be found by You too. In Jesus Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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