Ephesians 1:11-23 (NRSV)
Read Ephesians 1:11-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11In 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, Verse 12so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. Verse 13In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; Verse 14this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God's own people, to the praise of his glory.
Verse 15I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason Verse 16I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. Verse 17I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, Verse 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, Verse 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. Verse 20God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, Verse 21far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. Verse 22And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, Verse 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Devotion
Today -- barring unfortunate complications -- half of our country is in despair, and half is brimming with a sense of confidence and hope. Ah, hope, the object of so much pre-election rhetoric on both sides.
But does that hope have anything to do with the hope Paul described in this passage? Can that hope speak to those whose party lost the election, or who have lost their jobs, or who have lost their sense of purpose?
A wise old country preacher often used the phrase, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." His words remind us that it is only by placing our trust in the Lord that we are able to fully know God's peace and confidence. And that when we do, God can accomplish amazing things in our lives.
Regardless of how you feel about yesterday's election, is this the hope that is inside you today? And what difference does it make for your present, and your future?
Prayer
Gracious God, you hold our future in your hands, and our past in your heart. Give us the hope we need to live in the present. Help us entrust all of our days to you. Amen.