[Day 3] Ephesians 1: A Letter of Grace and Spiritual Blessings

Day 3: Chosen

Read Ephesians 1:11-12 in the English Standard Version (ESV) and The Message (MSG)
ESV: "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory."

MSG: "It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone."

In today's passage, Paul goes on to highlight that believers are chosen and predestined by God for salvation. He explains that God has predestined us to be adopted as His children through Jesus Christ, according to His good pleasure and will. This underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation, as He initiates and orchestrates the process of drawing people to Himself. It also brings assurance and confidence to believers, knowing that their salvation is secure in God's eternal plan.

Consider
I chose 2 versions of today's passage to help us wrap our minds around the idea of being Chosen. I don't know if you experience this or not, but sometimes I get so familiar with a passage that I struggle to dig in and really understand what it's saying. That's the case with today's verses. I kept getting hung up on "predestined" and needed a fresh take (hence the MSG).

I love the way the Message cuts to the heart of what Paul is saying: "He had his eye on us, had designs for us!" Friends, He chose us! He knew us before time began, and He intentionally picked us to part of His plan.

Maybe you feel the weight of self-doubt like I do sometimes. "Me? He wants me to share Him with others?" Before you start listing all the reasons you aren't qualified, let me remind you that "the Spirit helps us in our weakness" (Rom. 8:26). We do not have to be fully equipped before we can be used. Rather, we accept the mission, then suit up and get to work (Eph. 6:11)!

Today, I encourage you to marinate in the truth that you were chosen. He chose to give you grace, He chose to save you, and He chose you to share in His will.

Pray
Father God,
I can't fully wrap my mind around the idea that You knew me before the world began, but I accept it. You are amazing and beyond understanding, and I choose to believe what You have written in Your Word. And in the moments where I doubt I am worthy to participate in this calling, Lord help my unbelief. Amen.