TODAY’S READING: Ephesians 1:3-10
KEY VERSE:
“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins” EPH 1:7 NLT
It is estimated that there are more than 4,250 active religions in the world today varying in size and influence and representing thousands of gods. One can choose from an overwhelming array of supposed deity and men throughout the ages have done exactly that. The God of the bible, however, stands alone in a category of His own. He doesn’t compete with other gods or put Himself forward as yet another choice in the colossal line-up of available celestial options. We don’t choose Him. He chooses us! Isaiah writes, “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, ‘You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off’” (Isaiah 41:8-9).
As with God’s choice of the nation of Israel, Paul expresses believers’ election in corporate terms. In other words, God chose us in Christ and it wasn’t just a quick, last minute divine decision. Paul writes that God chose us even before the foundation of the world! (v4). Isn’t that something?! God knew you, thought about you and anticipated your life even before the foundations of this world were put in place!
It should give you immense joy and confidence when you read in verse five that God predestined you for adoption and how did this adoption become official? Verse seven gives us the answer, “He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins”. God chose you, and then put in place the measures needed to adopt you! Adoption signifies great honour for those who were once alienated from God to join His family with all the rights and privileges of those born naturally!
Hallelujah!
Christ’s death was in no way a ‘plan gone wrong’ but rather a component of God’s determined plan to assemble a majestic family of sons and daughters who delight in Him and live to praise Him!
ACTION STEPS
• Read Ephesians 1:3 - 10
• Meditate today on the wonder that God predestined you for adoption! Thank God that He made a way through Christ Jesus for you to be reconciled to Him and become part of His family!
• Why not share the good news of your adoption and all its inherent privileges and joy with those you share life with!