TODAY’S SCRIPTURE Ephesians 1:7-10
If you love American history like I do, then you probably have great memories of the NBC show “Quantum Leap.” The premise of the show is basically that young Dr. Sam Beckett is sent back in modern history in order to change the outcome of historical or not-so-historical events. How many of us wish we could travel back in our own past and change the sequence of events for the better? I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that you cannot travel back in time, but the good news is that God’s perfect plan from the “foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4) does not need anyone to travel back in time to change the glorious future He has prepared for us.
In Ephesians 1, Paul praises God because of His perfect plan. Even after sending His Son, He does not have to send Him back in history to change it. Paul praises God not only for acting in the past, but also for the redemptive plan that affects the present and future because of the blood of Jesus.
The present aspect of redemption includes the forgiveness of trespasses. Paul has in mind here all of the offenses and sins that one has created up to the point of conversion, and then throughout a Christian’s life, he with confidence can have forgiveness of sins (vs. 7). Furthermore, “according to the riches of His grace” God has “lavished” on believers “all wisdom and insight” (vs. 8). God’s plan is not to leave you ignorant and helpless in this world.
What more could a Christian ask for? Not only do we have gifts that result from redemption now, but also we are working towards the redemption of all things in order to be united in Christ at the final consummation (vs. 9-10). It is the future that caused God to create a perfect plan. The church, which is a microcosm of Heaven, is working towards perfect unity that can only be found in Christ and be completed at the consummation of all things. We have been redeemed for a brighter future.
Today, I will…spend time in meditation and prayer on how perfect God’s plan is specifically for the church and my life.