Day One - Ephesians 1:1

DAY 1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus... Ephesians 1:1

I can only imagine how Paul had to stop and pause every time he wrote something like this verse. His heart must have skipped a beat. He could not help but wonder at the irony of the statement “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus.” Paul – the Hebrew of Hebrews and the defender of the honor of the Hebrew faith against the heresy of the so-called Christians.

How could it be that Paul of all men became a follower of Christ? And not just a follower, but an apostle! From a leader of the Hebrews to a leader of those who followed Jesus Christ. How does such a radical journey occur? Paul cannot marvel at the statement without immediately stating the answer: “by the will of God.”

Paul then plainly connects the dots for his audience. Saints are those who are set apart for Christ. We as believers are blessed by the same truth as Paul. Do not ever forget that God has a plan for your life – a specific and amazing plan. This design was conceived in the heart of God before your were saved, or even born. But it is a plan God has designed and wills for you. We go about our lives and daily experiences and too often forget that I am what I am by the grace of God. He has a design for you. As you go forward today, try changing your perspective. Look at your life as Paul did: “I am ____, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.” How this truth that you are a “set apart” saint makes such a difference!