“…he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
Ephesians 1:9-10
These two verses are overwhelming to consider.
It’s difficult to over-emphasize their significance in revealing the sovereignty and authority of God.
The word of God shows us that in Christ, three things are revealed:
The Mystery of the Will of God
God’s Purpose in His Will
His Plan for His Creation in the Fullness of Time
Everything in God’s plan points us to Jesus. The finished work of Christ at the cross is the focal point for history, and all of creation points to this eternal hope that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, our access to the Father, His purpose, and His will. It all points to Jesus.
Look at how Paul says it in two other scriptures:
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:15-17
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” Galatians 4:4-5
Again, it all points back to Jesus! All things hold together in Him. The fullness of time arrived with Him. This is good news in a world that’s going crazy and a world where it’s easy to be distracted or knocked off course. It is an overwhelming time to live. But in it all, there is a will, a purpose, an order, and a revelation revealed in Jesus.
The way to be right with God is through Jesus Christ, and all the revelation of truth in the Word of God and all the wonder of creation points back to Him and the work of His authority.
Jesus is the Mystery of God’s Will made known.
He is the Purpose of God’s Plan displayed.
He is our Hope and our Promise Revealed.
The way to find meaning, purpose, hope, and peace in this life is to be united to Jesus who has been set forth by God as the plan for our redemption and the revelation of God’s glory for the fullness of time.
As you think about your life, is it all about Jesus? Is He your focus? Is He the one guiding and shaping your perspective of what’s happening in our world? Is He the foundation for navigating your circumstances without worry and doubt? All of God’s promises find their “Yes” in Him.
Jesus is exactly what we need.
He’s ALL we need.
Taken from a sermon by George Wright, Senior Pastor, Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL
