Word@Work Eph8 - Ephesians 1:11-12
Published: Tue, 10/07/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
SEEING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING
Read Ephesians 1:11-12 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. (NIV)
Life is messy! It is fine to talk academically about life-cycles and business cycles; but being caught in the middle of personal trauma or economic 'down-turn' (which means bankruptcy for some) is real life - in which there is often more panic than hope. However, the Christian has a huge advantage. We know that we are chosen without accident, and designed to live with an ultimate purpose - to bring praise to Christ so that His glory may be seen. We are a significant part of God's global rescue plan that has been carefully formulated and immaculately executed.
Do we use God for our ends or let him use our life for His glory? Unlike governments who need to satisfy their populations, or politicians who crave votes at the next poll, God's kingdom works differently. King Jesus is not kind to us because He needs to be elected, He has already been appointed and His Kingdom will last for ever (cf Rev 11:15). Democrats may argue that there is no place for them to exercise power - and they are right ... and that is a very good thing! It may be humbling, but we cannot contribute anything to God's kindly love in choosing us or to Christ's sacrifice that redeems us. The only thing we can do is to accept His choosing and His sacrifice, and then live in gratitude so that all Heaven may rejoice at the goodness of God in saving us: "What a wonderful Saviour, He even chose you"!
Wanting God to be praised, is a theme of this chapter (cf v. 6,12,14). That is the shout of angels (cf Luke 15:7), it is the song of heaven (cf Rev 7:9-12), and should be the heartbeat of the church (cf Gal 1:3-5). But, and it is a big 'but', where is the reality? When churches prefer social engineering to discipleship, Christian families rely on community wisdom more than covenant grace, and believers react to business crises like worldlings - where is the confidence in the sovereign planning of God who has all power? Not just the power to 'fix things for me', but the power to demonstrate His amazing character ... so that everybody will worship and adore Him. When His glory becomes our daily objective, all other goals will find their right perspective!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Please show me afresh how much You have done for me; so that I will live out this day in a way that will glorify You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Life is messy! It is fine to talk academically about life-cycles and business cycles; but being caught in the middle of personal trauma or economic 'down-turn' (which means bankruptcy for some) is real life - in which there is often more panic than hope. However, the Christian has a huge advantage. We know that we are chosen without accident, and designed to live with an ultimate purpose - to bring praise to Christ so that His glory may be seen. We are a significant part of God's global rescue plan that has been carefully formulated and immaculately executed.
Do we use God for our ends or let him use our life for His glory? Unlike governments who need to satisfy their populations, or politicians who crave votes at the next poll, God's kingdom works differently. King Jesus is not kind to us because He needs to be elected, He has already been appointed and His Kingdom will last for ever (cf Rev 11:15). Democrats may argue that there is no place for them to exercise power - and they are right ... and that is a very good thing! It may be humbling, but we cannot contribute anything to God's kindly love in choosing us or to Christ's sacrifice that redeems us. The only thing we can do is to accept His choosing and His sacrifice, and then live in gratitude so that all Heaven may rejoice at the goodness of God in saving us: "What a wonderful Saviour, He even chose you"!
Wanting God to be praised, is a theme of this chapter (cf v. 6,12,14). That is the shout of angels (cf Luke 15:7), it is the song of heaven (cf Rev 7:9-12), and should be the heartbeat of the church (cf Gal 1:3-5). But, and it is a big 'but', where is the reality? When churches prefer social engineering to discipleship, Christian families rely on community wisdom more than covenant grace, and believers react to business crises like worldlings - where is the confidence in the sovereign planning of God who has all power? Not just the power to 'fix things for me', but the power to demonstrate His amazing character ... so that everybody will worship and adore Him. When His glory becomes our daily objective, all other goals will find their right perspective!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Please show me afresh how much You have done for me; so that I will live out this day in a way that will glorify You. 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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