Ewald Schmidt

"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:11-12 (NIV)

One of the peak experiences in any person's life is to become aware that somebody really loves one, just as one is. When we fall in love with someone, our whole experience of life changes. We see the world with different eyes, it even seems that colours become brighter. Even more impressive than to be in love with somebody is that experience when we get to know God's love for us. Imagine that – the Lord who has created the universe not only knows me, but loves me and wants to live in a relationship with me. He has sent his Son to deliver that message. Before we knew Christ, we had the feeling that something in our lives was still missing. But then, on a day, we came to know Christ personally as our Saviour. We became people who put their hope in Christ. We entrusted our lives into his hands, that he may be King, and guide us on the path of our lives.

Paul wrote to that first generation of believers in Ephesus, and they were indeed the first in their city to put their hope in Christ. Since then, through the ages, the message of hope in Christ has touched and changed so many lives. That is such a beautiful way to describe the life of faith – someone putting their hope in Christ!

From verse 6 Paul described all the blessings that God has given us through Jesus as our Lord. We were saved by his blood, and all our sins are forgiven when we believe in him. We are part of God's new family, his new tribe in this world, the church. He gave us new hope, new life, and a new destiny. And as with the first part when we learned what the Father has done for us, a reaction is called for when we learn about Jesus’ love for us. And the reaction is the same: we are called to praise him. And again praise is not just a song we sing once in a while, it is a new lifestyle honouring our Lord Jesus in everything we do. Sometimes we will even use words to do that – to praise Him!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you deserve all the praise in heaven and on earth! Through your sacrifice you have broken every form of bondage that kept us away from being God's children. You have given us new life, and new hope. For that we shall be ever thankful! Amen.