Day 267

Isaiah 43:14–45:10; Ephesians 3:1-21; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 24:1-2

AS WE CONTINUE to follow the path of Ephesians, we climb ever higher to see the grand vistas of our faith and the implications of what God has done for us. When we consider the implications, juxtaposed against our own experience of life, we find what we may be missing out on —and what is almost too good to be true.

In our reading today, Paul wrote, “This is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6).

This passage applies to every believer in the world —Jew and Gentile alike. And the promise is the riches of God’s blessings. But why would God be so gracious to us? According to Ephesians, there is a reason: “God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:10-11).

Had you ever considered that God’s goodness in offering you eternal life makes His wisdom known and displays it to unseen realms? This is certainly a big-picture view of our faith. And, “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence” (Ephesians 3:12).

Think about the implications. We are permitted to enter the presence of the almighty God, creator of all things seen and unseen, as boldly and confidently as a beloved son or daughter would with any loving parent.

This reality is so good that even the apostle Paul seems overcome by it. Carefully read his closing benediction from our reading today, and then take a few minutes to consider how it will change the shape of your day:

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

MEDITATION:

“I am the First and the Last; there is no other God. Who is like me? Let him step forward and prove to you his power. Let him do as I have done since ancient times when I established a people and explained its future. Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses —is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock —not one!”