A Walk through Ephesians, Part 1
When you think of the themes of the apostle Paul’s writings, what do you believe the one overarching theme is? Is it justification by faith? The family of God in Christ? Calling and election? Holy living? These are all KEY THEMES in Paul’s epistles, which he writes about in Ephesians 1:3-8. And yet…is that all there is?
Upon looking closer, it appears the overarching theme in Paul’s letters is not any of these, but rather the overall theme of CHRISTIAN UNITY.
In the West, we tend to focus on the effects of salvation on individuals. Our worship songs, while true, seem to use the pronouns “I” and “me” more than “we.” Sermons rightly applied require volitional action by individuals. Personal holiness comes before corporate holiness. Certainly, the choice to respond to the grace of God working in us is needed on an individual level…but I wonder, are we missing the whole picture?
In Ephesians chapter 1, Paul tells us there is a mystery God made known to us, which He purposed in Christ, “to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” (verse 10)
At the wedding we attended this past weekend, I had to pull a loose thread off the hem of someone’s garment. It didn’t look right, nor did it complete the “look” of that one’s outfit. It was hanging, misplaced, superfluous, redundant. The clothing needed to be set right, and once the thread was removed, the outfit was complete again.
I have recently learned how to make homemade yogurt. It takes a fermenting process, a mixing of specific amounts of pure foods under heat for a certain period of time. When I remove the finished product, it is a sheer delight, as the mixture of ingredients has blended into a new texture with multiplied health benefits.
Like loose threads and yogurt, God is not only working to remove the superfluous things in our lives, He is also bringing together those whose hearts are responding to Him, and one day He will bring all the powers of this world under His control. He is setting right the things of this world that were “off” because they did not bring harmony to His overarching purpose of unity.
God is bringing together, like a tapestry on a weaver’s loom, ALL THINGS under Christ. That means more than individuals or individual churches, it means ALL things: spiritual principalities, earthly rulers, the material world and nature, systems, families, nations, denominations, people groups—ALL! (Ephesians 1:20-22) This doesn’t mean that all will be saved, but that God will set all things in their rightful place.
So, how are we to participate in this “bringing together” of all things?
Jesus said, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” Jesus laid down His life for the Church and taught us to do the same.
Paul’s ministry was about preaching the Gospel to those who had not yet believed and establishing them in Christ. He implored the Corinthians to be reconciled to God and to bear the message of reconciliation to the world.*
Where has God placed you? What unique positions and relationships has he gifted you with? How might He use you and me to summon those people and systems we are involved with to come under Him for His glory?
Lord Jesus, please show us what and who in our midst are being brought under Your loving control and harmonious reign. Show us where You want us to speak out the good news of this mystery, made known to us by Your Spirit and Your word. Give us the same sacrificial love You had for Your church and the world. In Your Mighty Name we pray, Amen.
Other Scriptures referenced:
*2 Corinthians 5:19, 20
THIS WEEK’S PRAYER EMPHASIS:
This week we are praying for God’s people in Taiwan. Please respond to this email to receive specific prayer requests! Also contact us if you would like to set up a time to pray for your church!