CHOSEN

So, our computer is kaput. Well, at least the power adaptor is. The kids (yes, it was a team effort) spilled root beer on the adaptor and the new one should be here tomorrow. Until then, I'm stuck on this computer in my husband's work-hole upstairs. It's harder to stay up here and work while watching the kids downstairs.

But in the time since I've updated things here, I've been reading the rest of Ephesians 2. If I could sum up the chapter in one word, I think it would be "CHOSEN." Last blog, I talked about the first part of the chapter and how we were created with care and chosen with purpose. The remaining 12 verses confirm that. For text's sake, I'll copy it here in pieces:

Ephesians 2:11-13
11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands—
12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.


We were strangers. Isolated. Hated by all, but chosen by One. This is similar to Christ's words to His disciples just before His death: "...because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." (John 15:19b) God never promises that living the Christian life will be easy. He never once gives us visions of grandeur or promises of prosperity. But He gives us peace in knowing that He chose us for His own. The Jews hated the Gentiles and felt they weren't worthy because they weren't chosen. Paul shows them all here that since Jesus died and returned to Heaven, ALL are worthy of His love and salvation. The free choice is open to all.

Ephesians 2:14-18
14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,
15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,
16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.
18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Knowing He chose us for His own, we should have peace. We ought not to live as those who have no hope. Our hope is in Christ. All have access to this hope--both Jew and Gentile--and through God's choice here, all have access. Hear that? ALL have access...not a select few reserved for some random kingdom someday...not those who believe a ritualistic view of self-preservation...not even those who follow a strict set of moral rules and regulations. ALL HAVE ACCESS BY ONE SPIRIT TO THE FATHER.

I was explaining a bit of the Catholic beliefs to my oldest daughter the other day and she was baffled. She asked, "Why do we have to ask someone else to talk to God for us? How does some other person have the right to forgive us? Isn't that why Jesus died?" Now, this is a 5-year old. She understands enough to know that Jesus died so we could all have access.

Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Knowing we've been chosen gives us the right to feel that we fit in. We are "fellow citizens." Now, this doesn't mean we fit in with the world...this is with the "saints and members of the household of God." Notice this isn't with the Jews. This is with all who were chosen. And we all sit on top of Christ, the Cornerstone. He is our foundation for peace and unity in Him. He is our starting point for growth, both personal and corporate.

I don't know about you...but when I have days where I don't feel like I fit in anywhere, it's nice to know that I can rest in the arms of my Savior. He chose me for His purpose and I can rest on Him...
...when I don't feel like I'm fulfilling much of anything.
...when I feel the world is out to get me.
...when I don't feel wanted, and certainly not chosen.
...when I need peace.

I can rest and trust that tomorrow will work out for His glory, just as today will.