God’s Big Plan
Opening Prayer
Pray that you will be open to hear God speak to you as we read through Ephesians together each day.
Read Ephesians 1:1-14
[1] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: [2] Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. [4] For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love [5] he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will- [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. [7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace [8] that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, [9] he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, [10] to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment-to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. [11] 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, [12] in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. [13] And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession-to the praise of his glory. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why did God "choose" and predestine us?During the Middle Ages, three men were cutting stones in a quarry for a cathedral that was to be built in the city. A visitor asked each of them in turn what they were doing. “I am cutting stones to shape,” replied the first. “I am earning money to feed my family,” was the second reply. But the third man responded enthusiastically, “I am building a cathedral!” It is easy in life to get so bogged down in detail that we lose sight of the bigger picture. Here, in just a few verses, Paul reminds the Ephesians what it is all about. Daily life may seem mundane, yet we are part of God’s big plan which continues from the creation of the world (4) until the end of time (10). Each one of us is personally known and loved–chosen in Christ (4), adopted by God (5), our sins forgiven (7), indwelt by the Spirit (13,14). Our part in this plan may seem as insignificant as chipping away at a block of stone but–more than the most magnificent cathedral–the whole effort will glorify God (6,12,14). No wonder Paul cannot contain his praise!
Apply
God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (3). Recall some ways he’s blessed you recently, and thank him.
Closing prayer
Loving Lord God, it’s hard to imagine just how great is Your love and Your loving plan for me.
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