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| Tin Angel, Philadelphia June 24, 2008
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| As I prepare for Summer Medical Institute 2008, I'm reflecting on the book of Ephesians. It's been part of my quiet time in the mornings before work...
1. Chosen "in Him" (v. 4)
What is this "in him" business? What does that even mean? At the end of verse 4, it begins a sentence, "in love." Now that I understand. To do something "in love" is to do it with the purpose of "loving" or "lovingly" doing something. To do it "out of love" and not from a motivation of something else. Often love is thought to be selfish and for the good of the receiver disregarding the doer (but not necessarily to the his detriment). Love is commonly quoted to be defined by 1 Corinthians 13, though it would take an intentional study to make that encompass a meaningful application of love and its attributes.
In any case, by analogy, to be chosen by God "in him" (by the way, the "him" seems to refer to the Christ-head of God not the Father based on the previous sentence) seems to suggest that we are chosen by the characteristics that make God, God. Out of who God is, we are not just selected, but being given high honor by the most mysteriously perfect and powerful and incredible being to exist. He, in his incomprehensible being/existence, by his authority and decision, chooses people.
For what purpose does he choose us? "...to be holy and blameless in his sight." This is significant for at least two reasons. It is a definitive as well as high calling from God for us who know him to be set apart and without the blemish of sin, but it is carefully and providentially qualified by the last prepositional phrase, "in his sight." We are not and will never be without sin. We were tainted from the beginning. Our pasts are all contaminated by sin. We were enemies of God. We were despicable and the God of all that we know and all we cannot know or comprehend who has more power than we could ever imagine and more love than we could ever take hold of would not accept us without the atonement of Jesus Christ and his taking the punishment of death for what we defiantly did before He who willingly gave everything up and took the worst onto himself for us. The result? "In his sight" and according to God, we can be holy and blameless. Not by our efforts, but because we have been paid for. We have been purchased at a cost greater than any debt you think you can accrue. That is why Paul can remind us to "praise his GLORIOUS grace."
2. The mystery...
One of my favorite lines is from a Matt Redman song which reads "for it's the mystery of the universe, you're the God of holiness and yet you welcome souls like me..." It is a mystery to me why God would want to save people like me who knowingly disregard his gifts and commands. Why would an omnipotent God want to have eternal intimacy with a person who has the gall to slap God, is making a gesture of peace, in the face?
Part of the answer I think is found in verse 9. The mystery of his will, Paul says, is revealed because God takes pleasure in showing us his plan. He desires to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under Christ (v. 10). God desires the unity of his people. He created people for fellowship with each other and with Him. His will is to bring people all over the world together, unified under God the Son, to exist to praise and glorify who he is. For a person, this is ridiculous and arrogant and distainable, but for God, this is worthy, honorable, privilege, joyous, bliss.
How do you know if you're chosen? Paul includes that as well. You were included under the salvation of Christ and to be part of this plan the moment "you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation." It is when you believe that you are given God the Spirit. That was the promise. You have God in you. You don't become God. You don't control God. You do not limit God. The same power that surpasses understanding and surpasses and commands all other powers is given to you and is protecting you and will guide you, will strengthen you, is behind you 100% as you do God's will. (vv. 19-21). The self-reflection question then becomes, why do I concern myself with so many other worries and frustrations, when I have this power to save me from every day things that might hinder me from serving God? And if I truly understand even a glimpse of the magnitude of who God is, why am I not completely satisfied in him? what he says of me and my purpose? and what he values and desires? Why am I not dying to hang on his every word, mimicking his every thought as he unfolds the image of his character? I've been given the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so I might know him better. As that progresses, shouldn't my focus and desires be fully devoted to God's economy?
3. Hope...
That's a topic for another day and a lot more thinking...
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| Lunch: Spinach and chorizo stuffed pork chops with rosemary and garlic crust. C made the wonderful complement of peas. 
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