Verse for today – “This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him (Eph. 3:11-12).”

All the things we have been pondering in recent days (the mystery of Christ, hope for the Gentiles, unity in Christ, Paul’s gift of powerful preaching) are part of God’s eternal purpose which HE accomplished in Christ. And, “the bottom line” of a large part of this eternal purpose is that ALL the world, both Jews and Gentiles, can be reunited to GOD! Joyfully, this is not a conditional reunion; rather, we have boldness and confident access to HIM. How? Through faith in Jesus Christ!

The following illustration may help in understanding our access to God, the Father. One morning a popular and powerful leader came into his favorite room in the house and asked everyone available to help him take a day of rest. He said, “Please, do not allow visitors or phone calls through to me today, I need some time to think and recharge. Life has been demanding recently, and I really must take the day off.” Everyone agreed to guard his time carefully, and they all left the room and went about their daily routines. About this time a beautiful 3-year-old girl came racing down the stairs, tripped over her nightclothes, slid around the corner, and leaped into the man’s lap. “Daddy, daddy,” she exclaimed! “You’re home! You’ve been so busy, and I have missed you terribly!” Her father snatched her up in his arms, gave her a huge hug, and sighed contentedly. “I have missed you also dear one!” he proclaimed. “Sometimes life get’s too busy. Let’s spend the day together.” Dear Reader, this describes the access you, as a Christian, have to your heavenly Father. All genuine Christians are “IN CHRIST.” This means you are the Father’s beloved son or beloved daughter. HE has time for YOU! HE will not turn you away. Read today’s words together with me again and remember, “… in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.”