WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: Pray that you will be open to hear God speak to you as we read through Ephesians together. The bigger picture During the Middle Ages, three men were cutting stones in a quarry for a cathedral that was to be built in the city. A visitor asked each of them in turn what they were doing. ‘I am cutting stones to shape,’ replied the first. ‘I am earning money to feed my family,’ was the second reply. But the third man responded enthusiastically, ‘I am building a cathedral!’ It is easy in life to get so bogged down in detail that we lose sight of the bigger picture. Here, in just a few verses, Paul reminds the Ephesians what it is all about. Part of God’s plan Day-to-day life may seem mundane. Yet we are part of God’s big plan which continues from the creation of the world (v 4) until the end of time (v 10). Each one of us is personally known and loved – chosen in Christ (v 4), adopted by God (v 5), our sins forgiven (v 7), indwelt by the Spirit (vs 13,14). Our part in this plan may seem as insignificant as chipping away at a block of stone but the whole will, more than the most magnificent cathedral, be to the praise of God’s glory (vs 6,12,14). No wonder Paul cannot contain his praise! Respond: God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (v 3). Write down some of the ways he has blessed you this week, and thank him for them. http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-03-05