Category: Ephesians

Infinity +1

~ Steve Vandop ~ Leave a comment

infinityOne of the things that I love about listening to kids is the simplicity in which they communicate. It has been a long time since I used the statement “infinity plus one”, I’m sure you have heard it before, it is the classic line used to “one up” your friend. Infinity +1, if you look it up you will find that it is actually a complex mathematical concept that can confound some of the brightest minds. I prefer to define it like a six-year-old might, as a “whole bunch”.

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians uses a similar line to describe the love of God for his people, “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” (3:18b) This is a part of Paul’s prayer for the people who are rooted in Christ’s love to grasp or understand the infinite love that God has for us. When I consider the width, length, height and depth of His love I think of a “whole lot”, like that of a six-year-old. Under this umbrella of love, we experience the gift of grace that is poured out continuously in our lives. In terms of measurement (because as humans we need to measure everything) in respect to God’s love, grace and mercy in our lives I like to think like this: Width describes the breadth of love that God has for every person in every place on this big earth. Length, this is an everlasting (never ending) love that began in that divine moment when He created mankind and follows through into eternity with him. Height measures the distance that puts God’s love so high, (out of reach) that no one person or being can take it away. Depth, even our deepest thoughts and finite wisdom cannot comprehend the incredible measure of love that our God has for us.

One thing that I can tell you with confidence and without a doubt in my mind is that God loves you. His love, grace and mercy is there for all of us to live in, he calls us to be in a relationship with Him through his Son, Jesus Christ. In response to God’s love for us Paul calls us to this action, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”(5:1-2). In other words, take what the Lord has given to you (love, grace and mercy) and let it overflow, beyond measure to those around you because this is what’s he does for you.

Lights, Camera, Action…

~ Steve Vandop ~ Leave a comment

picture1Do you know what a clapperboard is? It’s a tool used in the process of filmmaking, it’s that black and white board that contains some sort of scribbled handwriting that means something to someone and makes the “clap” sound when the clapstick is struck down. This device assists in the synchronizing of the motion picture and sound. During post filming production, the audio and video tracks can be precisely matched to create a seamless film experience. The director calls “action”, the person holding the clapperboard “claps” or cue’s the scene and the filming begins.

The apostle Paul calls us to action repeatedly in his writing. In many ways Paul gives us cue’s to living a life holy and pleasing to the Lord, a kind of “syncing” to His will. Paul often opens his letters to the church with statements like, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father” and “Grace and peace to you” and he often finishes in the same fashion. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians closes his letter with what I would call a serious call to action. “Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.” (6:24). An undying love can also be translated as everlasting, indestructible, inextinguishable, constant, deathless or perpetual love. Notice that the text reads “all those who love our Lord”, often we describe God’s love for us in these terms but here we as believers are called to reciprocate that love in the same way.

An unmerited, undeserved gift that is freely given to us as believers by God, that is what grace is. Paul, speaking to God’s holy people reminds them (and us) of the kind of love we must have for our Heavenly Father. Out of our passion for God flows compassion for others. This is a compassion that draws others into seeing the incredible power of grace, forgiveness, love and mercy. Paul’s instructions for Christian living include a picture of how we as God’s people need to show grace to others; be kind and compassionate to one another (grace), forgiving each other (grace), just as in Christ God forgave you (grace).(Eph. 4:32). God’s word is our clapperboard in life, it is a call to action. It holds the important information that helps us live our lives in accordance to His will (synchronizing). Because of His forgiveness and grace, we have been given many more “takes” on life than we deserve.

Connecting the Dots

~ Steve Vandop ~ Leave a comment

dot-to-dot

It seems the dot-to-dot craze has followed the return of the popular coloring books for adults and kids. Each intriguing puzzle and pattern from the simple to the complex challenges our cognitive skills. I personally enjoy the challenges of the hard or “extreme” dot-to-dot puzzles, they keep me searching and speculating as to what the final picture will be shaped into. Working with precision from one point to another keeps our mind active and sharp, always looking forward to the next step.

Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians helps us “connect the dots” when it comes to growing in the family of God. Paul’s prayer for the people in Ephesus (Eph. 1:17-19) extends to our lives today. He prays “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” In many respects, Paul gives us the instructions for Christian living through this letter. He reminds us to be humble, gentle, patient, truthful and to “live as children of light”. He insists (4:17) that we must no longer live as we did before being adopted into God’s family. The hope that Paul prays for, the inheritance of the promise of eternal life together within God’s family sets us apart, “you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens… also members of his household.” (2:19)

I challenge you to read the book of Ephesians as a whole, from beginning to end in one sitting. What you will discover is Paul writes these words so that we gain a deeper understanding of who our God is and how we can have a deeper relationship with Him. As believers we are adopted into His family, we need to be proactive in searching for the “next dot”, the next step in building our relationships both with God and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Think about the investment of time and effort it requires to maintain a close relationship with your closest friend or spouse. Then, consider for a moment how much time you spend deepening your relationship with your Heavenly Father. Pray, like Paul, that God will give you the wisdom to see His love for you as a son or daughter in his family.