The Start of the Story

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption… as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight  making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ  as a plan for the fullness of time…

“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… might be to the praise of his glory. In him you… were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it.” Ephesians 1:3-14

In the beginning, God created form from chaos, and light from void, but man was different. It is an attention-grabbing, life-altering realization that from before the foundation of the world, we were known and loved, and to eternity future we will live out a heavenly inheritance now kept for us. For those who live for only this life, there is nothing more startling, more consequential, than to grasp this eternal purpose. To hum along with limited hope, and to think physical death ends it all, robs us of the richness of living that God always intended. Our present is not meaningless, but in Christ throbs with spiritual riches that infuse all we are, and see, and do. Every day is an integral part of our ongoing sanctification that will culminate one day in glory. (Genesis 1:1-4; Romans 8:29-30; 1 Corinthians 15:19)

In times when our lives are shaped by posted snippets, both selected and received, and identities are defined by our prescription or others’ opinions, would we pause to consider who really started our story? What a blast of invigorating hope and purpose, to know that from eternity past Christ knew us by name, and we own every spiritual blessing in Him! If I trust my life’s Author, I will seek Him, His word, His ways. If He has determined my chief end, and given talents and resources to fulfill it, how does this deepen my worship and spiritual resolve? How does it elevate my daily and long-term goals?

If the start of our story- of days, of faith, of unique commingling with and contribution to society- began in the mind and heart of Almighty God, what zeal for work and service does that inspire? If the Lord has written our names in His book and numbered our days, can we help but wonder at His love, grace, and will? If He’s made us to live for Him and not ourselves, are we not bolstered with holy drive to discover and fulfill His purposes? (Malachi 3:16; Psalm 139:13-16; Luke 10:20; Hebrews 12:1-2)

Author of my story, grant me wisdom to grasp, and enlighten the eyes of my heart to know, the hope to which You have called me, the riches of Your glorious inheritance, and the immeasurable greatness of Your resurrection power. (Ephesians 1:17-20)