Our Epistle this week is Ephesians 2:1-10.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Paul tells us that we were created for a purpose – “to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (v. 10). We have been part of His plan since the beginning, but our preoccupation with pleasing ourselves has led us into sin. Jesus came to teach us that even in our wrongdoing, God calls us back.
He wants us to know there is forgiveness when we fall. If we admit our error and turn to God, we can be restored. Nothing else can save us but His love.
This means giving up our own wants and seeing what God wants for us. God has a plan for each of us individually and all His creation together. Only by accepting His mercy can we be made whole again.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for our disobedience and our lack of respect for Your creation. Help us to turn from evil and be the people You intend. Amen.