A Life Worthy

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name (Ephesians 3:14-15).

So, about two weeks ago–our time–Paul took a little side trip to remind us of what God has done for us through Paul’s life.

Well, now he’s back.

Gotta love those rabbit trails.

In any case, Paul mentions something about God here that I find fascinating. Almost in passing, he says, “from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derived its name.” Another translation says, “from whom all fatherhood in heaven and on earth…”

I like that.

God is the archetype, the epitome, the model of all fatherhood. The concept originates with him. He defines it. When I see God protecting, loving, providing, teaching, giving, disciplining, guiding, leading, forgiving, sacrificing, restoring–I realize that’s what I’m supposed to be. Then I consider my own track record as a dad and I see my own inadequacies and I begin to hyperventilate

until I remember

grace.

Beloved, if you are a father, you have been given a great name. Do all that you can, in His grace, to live up to it.

Beloved, if you have a father, think of him with grace, knowing that the bar is set pretty high. And remember, no matter what sort of earthly dad you may have, you have a heavenly Father who is all you need always.

Happy Monday, Beloved.

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12).

Beloved, you don’t have to cower in the shadows of his glory, hoping someone better, stronger, more worthy than you might spill a drop of righteousness that you can lap up before it evaporates.

You can approach boldly.

You belong here.

You are not a slave, but a child. Run to your Father’s house, for it is your home. Let him scoop you up in his arms and hold you, because he loves you.

That’s what daddies do.

Happy Thursday, Beloved.

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms… (Ephesians 3:10)

Really, God?

The Church?

I mean, far far far far far be it from me to question God’s wisdom, but does he really expect the Church to be the display of his great plan to the cosmos?

The Church. That’s us. You realize that, don’t you?

All the angels and heavenly beings are  looking at us to see the glory of his salvation worked out.

No pressure there.

Seriously–doesn’t God realize how pathetic the Church is? How we bicker and fight and whine and cheat and fumble and fail and fall?

I mean, of course he does, but still…

Beloved, I don’t see why God would choose to put us on display, knowing what he knows about us, but then I don’t understand a lot of what God does.

Which is fine, I guess.

The thing to remember is, God’s not worried about it. He isn’t concerned that somehow you or I or the Church in general is going to spoil his plans. In fact, I’m guessing that the interpersonal crunchiness that is so much a part of us is at the heart of his plan, as he shows the tremendous power of his grace over our own weakness.

Or something like that.

Happy Tuesday, Beloved.

Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people…  (Ephesians 3:8)

But Paul…

For corn sake, you’re…you’re Paul! Paul the Apostle!  Whaddaya mean you are less than the least of God’s people?

Maybe Paul knew his own past, Beloved. Maybe he knew his own heart. Maybe he knew that whatever he looked like on the outside, inside he continued to struggle with thoughts and emotions and deeds that were downright not right.

And yet, he did not let that stop him  from serving his Lord, did he? And it certainly did not stop his Lord from using Paul, did it?

Beloved, don’t think too highly of yourself–you know you.

Beloved, don’t think too lowly of yourself–you are the child of the King.

Beloved, don’t think too often of yourself. That leaves more room for God to work, anyway.

Happy Friday, Beloved.

In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,  which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.  This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:4-6).

We’re in the club!

This news would have been mind-shattering to the Jews of Paul’s day. They had been taught for generations that Israel was God’s chosen people, the nation of promise. All others were…

Other.

But now Paul tells them that Israel is not simply a matter of geography or bloodline. It is a call of the heart. And God, in his incomprehensible mercy, has called the unlikeliest of hearts.

Hearts like yours

and

mine.

Rejoice, Beloved!

Happy Wednesday