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 fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.”
I gotta be honest with you. When I told my dear husband, who has his D. Min. (Doctorate of Ministry), that I was going to blog through Ephesians, he lifted his eyebrows. He said, “Ephesians will be a challenge – are you sure you want to do that?”
I (foolishly) just smiled, that cat-ate-the-canary smile. I was on a roll. I had just finished Ruth. Ruth. And everyone knows the Old Testament books are harder than the New Testament books. Or so I thought.
So, here I sit, looking at the above verses, without the slightest idea how to explain them in a clear and concise way. But, I’m going to do the very best that I can. Please remember that it is my beloved who has the fancy degree in all things biblical. My degree is a B.A. in Elementary Education and English, with an almost-degree in music. With that said, here we go:
During this time in history, there were many religions that emphasized secrets. There were secret rituals, secret sacrifices, secret writings . . . and so the people of Paul’s time would have been familiar with the mystery of divine things. But God, on the other hand, had no desire to keep things hidden from His children. He made His love known to all, in as clear and easy a way as possible. It is so clear, and so easy, that we humans often have a hard time understanding its simplicity. But God will reveal Himself to anyone who seeks Him. He makes Himself known. No mystery.
God’s will, His desire, is that every person on this earth will be adopted into His family. In order to make that happen, He sent His Son. Jesus did not act on His own, but rather, acted in accordance with His Father’s purpose and plan. Christ died for us, and then He did what only God can do – He conquered death itself and rose again. He paid the price for us that no one else could pay.
Right now, we each have a choice. We can choose to accept what Christ did for us on the cross, or not. But one day, – oh! That glorious day! – one day every creature on heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow down and recognize Christ for who He is! He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Right now, He waits. He longs for us to come to Him willingly. But one day, we will acknowledge Him as King, and He will take His rightful place as the Ruler of heaven and earth.
I can hardly wait.
Dear Father, Thank You for making Yourself known to me. Thank You for providing a way for me to become Your child.
Amen
Thank you for making yourself known to us, Lord. Thank you that the gift you offer is life, clear and simple.
Thank you that we don’t even have to know how to walk that out, because we can trust You to walk it out for us, show us the way, share the journey, one day at a time.
Thank you that we don’t need secret rites, rituals, or words to access you: that even in our silent cries You hear and answer.
Thank you.
Jlo
Amen and amen!
Well I really just called by to say thank you for visiting, but I got so wrapped up in what you have written about Ephesians so far that I have been here for twenty minutes and now I am behind with the breakfasts!!
You have a wonderful easy way of writing. I will be back to read more. After breakfast, obviously.
Thanks, Jackie! I am usually asleep at this time. Now I’ll go back to sleep and dream of whatever yummy thing you’re whipping up for breakfast! Glad to have you here.
Lillie and Judi, thanks! Always great to see you both! Blessings to all!