Day 10

"as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth." Ephesians 1:10 (ESV)

Finally made it to the climax of this first 10 verses. Here is the verse that the whole chapter has been driving at so far. And just as in the High Priestly Prayer of John 17, the purpose of God is revealed as unity. God wants to unite all things in heaven and earth in himself. Jesus said that when he was lifted up he would draw all the world to himself (John 12:32). Unity is obviously very important to God.

And of course the key words are "fullness of time" cause we are far from this unity in our friendships, marriages, churches, nations, etc. On every level, we demonstrate our propensity for disunity rather than unity. I start to feel hopeless when I look around at the disunity, even and maybe especially in myself. And yet my hope is not that we will one day figure it out, but that Christ in us is the hope of glory. God intends to transform this world through Christ and our redemption. That is my hope.

Another thought occurs to me. If its frustrating for me to live in a world so hopelessly divisive, how much more must Jesus have been frustrated when he said “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you?" (Luke 9:41) How twisted our world must look to God.

Have mercy on us, Father. Help me to see the ways that I rebel against Your plan that You set forth in Christ. Help me to open to your grace and be a part of your plan.

by the will of God,

Jonathan