Ephesians__2
Scripture Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Observation-What does it say? The letter to Ephesus, absent of some of the personal greetings used in Paul’s other writings, may have been a circular letter passed around to a number of churches in the region, which is now western Turkey. One of Paul’s main concerns in this letter is a message of unity and completeness in the church. He then “proceeds to show the steps towards their fulfillment. First, God has reconciled individuals to Himself as an act of grace (2:1-10)” (Barker, K.). Because of our disobedience, we are cut off from life, but, through his grace we are reconciled.
Understanding-What does it mean? One of the hardest obstacles I have come to face, as a parent, is sticking to being the voice of discipline to my kids. I really am just a big push over when it comes to holding their feet to the fire. However, I know how important it is to help them gain their sense of discipline. It sets them up for future success in faith as well as in other pursuits in life. I have seen, too many times, the result of a child who was not taught to have discipline. A child without discipline turns into a thirty year old who lives at home, without a job, and doesn’t take responsibility for their own. Disciplining a child allows them the opportunity to freely turn back and see that it was done out of your great love for them.
Paul’s words, here in the book of Ephesians, echo the words of the Psalmist in Psalms 90. For both point out that we are not the driving force of our time here on earth. It is God who prepares for us good works to be done. It is our job to have the discipline to carry out that good work. When we live outside those good works, we face the consequences of our decision of disobedience, namely separation from Jesus. However, God, as Peter wrote, shows His deep love for us in His patience. “So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him” (3:14-15).
Much like I know my boys’ future success is dependent on building discipline now, so also does my faith depend on being disciplined in what God has asked me to do now. God’s discipline is keeping me from the things that can ultimately keep me separated from Him in eternity.
Life Application: Jesus, help me to seek out the good works you have prepared for me. And when those seem hard to find, help me to remember the things you have shown me in scripture. Help me to be kind to others, be generous to widows and protect the orphans. Help me to offer words that encourage, and not words that tear down. Above all, in everything I do, be evident through me.
-Tyler Galloway