Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. ( Ephesians 1:3-6)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavishes on us. 1:7-8a
With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, thing in heaven and earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we who are first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. 1:8b-12
To "set our hope on Christ" is to trust the story. Therefore, the inheritance is not due to what we do. The inheritance is handed to us as we trust that our God is completely for us in Christ Jesus. No matter what others may say, trust the story. No matter what rules might be enacted or votes might be taken, trust the story. God's reign is handed to us and we are called to take our place within its gracious domain. In the meantime, we praise God for all that God has revealed to us - a gift of life.
Connection: Listen to no other word. That can be very hard to do in the middle of all the opinions and words of the day and yet the promise for life within God's reign is one that is before each moment. Trust this word about your inheritance!
Lord God, you love for us shines forth as a light that enables us to see all things in a new way. Let your Holy Spirit guide us and lead us into the fullness of your promises. Amen.
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