CHOSEN, A PATH AND PRAYERS

Our Sunday School class is studying Ephesians and so far, we have discussed chapter one.  Chosen, a path and prayers are words that describe part of this chapter.

CHOSEN

Know what it says?  It says we were chosen “before the foundation of the world.”  Now if that does not make us stand up and shout and jump with joy and --- realize we are not an afterthought.  God didn’t make the earth and sun and moon and plants and sky and sea and animals and air and then say, “Wonder what I can create now?  Color?  No.  I think there are plenty of colors.  The number of animals is perfect.  Trees are looking good.  They will look amazing when the leaves change color.  There is that color thing again.  Sure glad I added color.  But there seems to be something missing.  What could it be?  Man I just think ….. Man?  Now that would be an interesting idea.”

NO!  God had us in his heart before he created the foundation of the world.  This ole planet is a miracle in how everything works together.  It was all planned out.  And we are not an afterthought.  We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.

CHOSEN – what a word.  Chosen:  selected, picked, preferred, wanted, desired.  And, are you ready?  You are chosen.   

Now you can stand up and shout and jump with joy.  YOU ARE CHOSEN ! ! !

A PATH

The next verse says, “having predestined us to adoption.”  The word predestined seems to cause confusion.  Thankfully, our minister explained the original meaning of the word predestined, as used in verse 5.  It means God set us on a path.  Now how absolutely cool is that.  First we are chosen and then we are put on a path, although we do seem to have a bit of trouble staying on that path.  And we have to decide – make a choice – to follow the path to being adopted by God. 

The disciples wondered how they were to know the way.  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  John 14:6

Time to let all that excitement out.  Not only are you CHOSEN, there is a PATH and now you know the way. 

PRAYERS

Paul told the Ephesians he did “not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.”  Wow.  Double Wow!  Paul prayed for them.  Can you imagine how that made them feel?  Here is the number-one-spreading-the-Good News-guy-of-the-hour and he was praying for them.  While he was in prison!! 

And this was not some general, feel good prayer.  Paul prayed they would have wisdom.  And knowledge.  And hope.  And know the riches of the glory of God’s inheritance.  And know of the exceeding greatness of God’s power toward them.  And that Christ is over all.  Now that is praying!

We so easily pray for others.  Willing pray for others. 

Now think about someone praying for you.  Placing your name upon God’s ears.  Does that make your heart leap with joy?  Make you feel humble?  Make you feel grateful?

= = = = = = = = = =

Celebrate each day and remember:

YOU ARE CHOSEN

JESUS IS THE PATH TO BEING ADOPTED BY GOD

PRAY FOR OTHERS and INVITE OTHERS TO PRAY FOR YOU