"Out of Focus With God's Eternal Purpose"Ephesians 1:10
...to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Thoughts for Today:In our passage today, Paul uses the phrase: "...when the times reach their fulfillment." This is a reference to the fact that all events throughout history (whether good, bad or indifferent) have been building toward the climax God has planned. And it's all happening according to the schedule He designed before time began. So what's the plan? Paul gives us the answer: "...to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ."
Take a moment to be amazed at the implications of Paul's statement. The ultimate victory of Jesus Christ will impact more than simply humanity. In Philippians 2:10 he tells us: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." Everything and everyone from the beginning of time will be compelled to recognize and acknowledge the authority of Jesus Christ. However, this does not mean that all people will enter into heaven. Jesus clearly stated in Matthew 7:21: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
As believers, we also know this to be true in our daily walk with the Lord. How so? Whenever we're focused on Jesus, and bringing our thoughts and activities under His authority, we're right in the center of what God says life is all about. And it doesn't matter whether we're driving to work, completing a list of chores on the weekend, reading a Bible story to our children, or discussing a particular section of Scripture with a friend -- everything we say and do is to be placed under His Lordship and direction. Unfortunately, those of us who fail to make Jesus Christ preeminent and Lord over lives are out of focus with God's eternal purpose.
Questions to Ponder:Are you full of joy, peace and contentment? If you are, then you probably have a pretty good understanding of how to apply the mystery of His will in the present. On the other hand, if you're feeling angry, frustrated or discontented, then you might need to examine, study, meditate and pray about gaining a greater understanding of God's present and eternal purpose in Christ. Is your present life in focus with God's plan for eternity?
...to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Thoughts for Today:In our passage today, Paul uses the phrase: "...when the times reach their fulfillment." This is a reference to the fact that all events throughout history (whether good, bad or indifferent) have been building toward the climax God has planned. And it's all happening according to the schedule He designed before time began. So what's the plan? Paul gives us the answer: "...to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ."
Take a moment to be amazed at the implications of Paul's statement. The ultimate victory of Jesus Christ will impact more than simply humanity. In Philippians 2:10 he tells us: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." Everything and everyone from the beginning of time will be compelled to recognize and acknowledge the authority of Jesus Christ. However, this does not mean that all people will enter into heaven. Jesus clearly stated in Matthew 7:21: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
As believers, we also know this to be true in our daily walk with the Lord. How so? Whenever we're focused on Jesus, and bringing our thoughts and activities under His authority, we're right in the center of what God says life is all about. And it doesn't matter whether we're driving to work, completing a list of chores on the weekend, reading a Bible story to our children, or discussing a particular section of Scripture with a friend -- everything we say and do is to be placed under His Lordship and direction. Unfortunately, those of us who fail to make Jesus Christ preeminent and Lord over lives are out of focus with God's eternal purpose.
Questions to Ponder:Are you full of joy, peace and contentment? If you are, then you probably have a pretty good understanding of how to apply the mystery of His will in the present. On the other hand, if you're feeling angry, frustrated or discontented, then you might need to examine, study, meditate and pray about gaining a greater understanding of God's present and eternal purpose in Christ. Is your present life in focus with God's plan for eternity?
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