Old Testament believers did not fully understand God's plan for the world. Only after Jesus came, died, and rose from the dead could people see God's plan for our redemption. Even now, we and others may be hazy about all that God plans. "At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ...because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan." Jews and Gentiles who believe in Christ are now united. The Holy Spirit is God's guarantee (something like a down payment) that we belong to Him and that He will keep His promises. vv. 9-14
vv. 15-23 record Paul's prayer for the Ephesians. Remember that he is writing to them from prison. These "prison prayers" are wonderful examples of ways in which we can pray for one another.
- He thanks God for them and their faithfulness.
- He prays to God the Father, remembering that He is "the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
- He asks for spiritual wisdom and insight for the Ephesians.
- He asks for spiritual wisdom and insight specifically that they would grow in their knowledge of God.
- He prays that they will understand God's great power for us--the very power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in heaven! What a thought this is. Do we try to understand God's great power on our behalf?
- He remembers that now Christ is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else--in this world as well as in the world to come. Petty tyrants may think they are important, but they are nothing when compared to Christ.
- He remembers that "God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church."
- He reminds them that the church is "Christ's body." We, as believers, make up the church. If all church buildings were destroyed, Christ'a body would remain!
We know we are supposed to praise and worship God. Meditating on a psalm like this one helps us to find words to do just that. We are to shout and sing His praises loudly. I don't know about you, but I'm not much of a shouter or singer, but I can surely put some enthusiasm into my praise of our awesome God.
The psalmist remembers what God has done for the people of Israel. (vv. 5-12) Remembering how God had already worked in our lives is a good practice and helps us to be thankful and joyful.
Finally, the psalmist (he is anonymous) gives his testimony of what God has done for him personally. He cried out to God for help; he confessed his sins; and God listened and paid attention to his prayer. "praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me." v. 20
Remember: God will hear our confession of our sins, and He will not ignore our prayers nor withdraw His unfailing love from us. Praise the Lord!
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