Reflections from June 4, 2010

Today we begin our reading of Ephesians, Paul's letter to the church of Ephesus. At the time, the city was a hustling, bustling center of commerce and was the capital of proconsular Asia having been named by Emperor Augustus in 27 BC. It was second in size only to Rome having a population of over 300,000 people.

Paul came to Ephesus 3 times and spent over 3 years there. He helped the early church and Christians grow. In his words in Ephesians 1:4, 7, 11 and 13 he writes, "...He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, ... In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ... In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, ... In Him you also trusted, after you hear the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom you also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise."

The foundation of our faith is anchored in God Himself. Our salvation extends back through time and involves the entire Trinity. God the Father has selected us for His grace; God the Son offered Himself as the sacrifice for sin, paying our penalty and extending forgiveness; and God the Holy Spirit has sealed us in Christ, guaranteeing our relationship with God. This foundation has carried all of mankind throughout history and will continue to do so until we're all home with Him.

Proverbs today speaks of learning wisdom and we read in Proverbs 4:11, "I have taught you the way of wisdom, I have led you in right paths."

We learn wisdom from our parents, good teachers, pastors, and other mentors in our life. It's then up to us to use this education and apply the wisdom as stated in Proverbs 5:1-2, "My son, pay attention to my wisdom, Lend your ear to my understanding. That you may preserve discretion, And your lips may keep knowledge."

So we not only have the wisdom that comes from others, but we can then apply it in discerning manners to keep us out of trouble.

Blessings to all