Monday, June 7, 2010

The Road Through Ephesus...More Plans Ephesians 1:10

The craziness of life ensues. My amazing cousin's graduation party was on Saturday and the celebrating spilled into Sunday as well. But I am back and ready to continue this journey with you!!

So let's jump right in!

Ephesians 1:10

"And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ-- in heaven and on earth."

I love plans. I love making them and I love having them. I enjoy structure. A little spontaneity every once in a while is nice, but I really love well thought out and organized plans. Yes, I may be slightly type A, but plans are wonderful. So needless to say, it makes me very happy that God has a plan. And he's even letting us in on the plan... how cool is that?!?!

So what's the plan? The first thing mentioned is the timing of the plan. Everyone knows that in planning timing is of the utmost importance. If you're planning a party, you can't really plan much of anything until you have a date and time. I love that it doesn't give a specific time. It just says at the right time. And it's not when you or I think the right time is, it's when God thinks it's the right time. Check out this verse:

2 Peter 3:9

"The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent."

God's timing is impeccable. It was at just the right time that he stopped Abraham from sacrificing Issac. It was the perfect timing for Jesus to be born and die. God is not slow. He is being patient, waiting for people to turn to him.

And it's at that time that everything will be put under Christ's authority. Whether you submit willingly or not, you will answer to Christ, you will be under his authority. He will be in charge. This verse in Ephesians reminds me of these verses in Philippians:

Philippians 2:10-11

"that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Every knee. Every tongue. Willing and unwilling will all bow and proclaim Jesus as Lord, as boss. However, for many it will be too late. If that is the first time you knee is bowing and your tongue confessing, you will be separated from Jesus forever. Oh, he will still be in control and will still be your boss, but you will miss the benefit of being in a relationship with him, of being a child of God.

But there is still hope. As long as you have breath on this earth, there is hope. Choose to bow your knee now, to confess now, before it's no longer your choice. Choose Jesus.

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