Saturday 12 January 2008

Background

This is the introduction to the letter to Ephesus. Ephesus wasan important city in what is now Turkey, and had a large communityof Christians. This letter was written not as an answer to aparticular problem but as a reminder of how wonderful God is.

This passage tells us about God's blessings in our lives, and thatwe are special in God's sight. We have been chosen as children ofGod since before our birth, in fact since before the creation ofthe universe itself. God's purpose for us has always been to loveus and to bless us. It is our sin which has created a barrierbetween us and God, not God rejecting us. It is for this reasonthat God gives us a second chance.

The incarnation of Christ (when he came to earth in human form) isan act of redemption for humankind. Each of us is made supremelyfree through "the riches of God's grace". By following Christ, thewhole world and all her people can be unified and redeemed. None ofthis requires anything more of us than faith. Once we believe weare marked by the power of the Holy Spirit our redemption can neverbe taken away. We become children of God, part of the family forall eternity.

This is God's will. When God created the earth it was always God'sintention that we should live in an intimate relationship with ourcreator. However, God allowed humankind free will so that we couldfulfil our potential. Free will also allowed us to make mistakesand separate ourselves from God. But God loves us. Being separatedfrom us is painful for God so Jesus comes to be a pathway back tothe Father.

In Christ we see the bright light of perfection, a light whichshows us how much it is possible to achieve even in our humanity,and a light that challenges us to follow.

To Ponder

How willing are you to take a risk and followChrist?

Is the picture of God as a parent hard for you toimagine? Why?

Do you yearn for an intimate relationship withGod who created and loves you?