Ephesians Day 17
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
Ephesians 1:18
Ok. Continuing on from yesterday. We saw that the hope to which we are called is to be God’s holy people who are Christ’s inheritance. It’s not in the first instance about what we receive but about what Christ has received, in us!
But maybe that raises a question. How is that hope for Christians? Paul prays that you would see better the hope that being Christ’s inheritance is for you. How does this bring us hope?
Well, firstly, see that it’s hope because of what it means to be not Christ’s inheritance. Only God’s people have hope at all, because to not be Christ’s inheritance is to be outside of His Kingdom and family. We need to see this more clearly. To be outside of His inheritance is to be separate from Christ forever.
But what we also need to see more clearly. Is how wonderful it is to be a part of His inheritance. For Jesus’ inheritance of us is also our inheritance of Him. He is our King (His inheritance), but we get to have Him as our good, wise, wonderful King (our inheritance). And as our King & Lord He shares with us the blessings of His Kingdom.
This too we need to see more clearly. People will endure many things. Childbirth. Hard, painful, monotonous work hours. Etc… if there is hope. And Christians. What a hope we have. Not just a week’s holiday. Not even a twenty year retirement. Nor the prospect of meeting a child for the first time.
Friends. If you trust in Christ, our hope is eternal life. In paradise. With the God of the universe and His people. It’s a new creation to enjoy and explore. An infinite God to get to know. People from every tribe & tongue across thousands of years of history to meet and to praise God with. And who knows how much more. I pray that you would see that hope more clearly.
For Today:
Pray:
Praise the Father for the rightful inheritance He has given His Son. Give thanks for Jesus who shares with us His inheritance.. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others see the hope we have now and in the future.
Ephesians 1:18
Ok. Continuing on from yesterday. We saw that the hope to which we are called is to be God’s holy people who are Christ’s inheritance. It’s not in the first instance about what we receive but about what Christ has received, in us!
But maybe that raises a question. How is that hope for Christians? Paul prays that you would see better the hope that being Christ’s inheritance is for you. How does this bring us hope?
Well, firstly, see that it’s hope because of what it means to be not Christ’s inheritance. Only God’s people have hope at all, because to not be Christ’s inheritance is to be outside of His Kingdom and family. We need to see this more clearly. To be outside of His inheritance is to be separate from Christ forever.
But what we also need to see more clearly. Is how wonderful it is to be a part of His inheritance. For Jesus’ inheritance of us is also our inheritance of Him. He is our King (His inheritance), but we get to have Him as our good, wise, wonderful King (our inheritance). And as our King & Lord He shares with us the blessings of His Kingdom.
This too we need to see more clearly. People will endure many things. Childbirth. Hard, painful, monotonous work hours. Etc… if there is hope. And Christians. What a hope we have. Not just a week’s holiday. Not even a twenty year retirement. Nor the prospect of meeting a child for the first time.
Friends. If you trust in Christ, our hope is eternal life. In paradise. With the God of the universe and His people. It’s a new creation to enjoy and explore. An infinite God to get to know. People from every tribe & tongue across thousands of years of history to meet and to praise God with. And who knows how much more. I pray that you would see that hope more clearly.
For Today:
- What is one question you have about the new creation?
- What is one thing you are looking forward to in the new creation?
- Reflect on eternal life today and see your hope more clearly.
Pray:
Praise the Father for the rightful inheritance He has given His Son. Give thanks for Jesus who shares with us His inheritance.. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others see the hope we have now and in the future.
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