During the Woordfees in our town there were, as usual, many heated debates about many topics under the sun. Philosophers thought and talked long about many difficult subjects. Politicians tried to see where the problem in our country originated and suggested a few quick solutions. Then theologians joined in and questions were asked like did God play rugby and … and …

There is nothing wrong about talking about things and trying to make sense of all those things we do not normally understand. But what we should always remember is that these things shouldn’t ever become so important that we miss the main purpose. Like the Jews in Jesus’ time. They put so much emphasis on tradition and the do’s and don’ts that they missed Jesus.

The writer of Ephesians quickly drew the picture and then dropped the bomb:  11But don’t take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God’s ways had no idea of any of this, didn’t know the first thing about the way God works, hadn’t the faintest idea of Christ.

The Jews put the emphasis in the wrong place. Maybe they asked the wrong questions that did not necessarily have a right answer. They focused on the things that people did, instead of focusing on what God does.

Experience has shown us that our own attempts aren’t efficient. Our plans fail and eventually achieve nothing. But God’s plans always work out. God’s plans have been proven through the ages. We should actually be so grateful that it doesn’t depend on us whether or not we go to heaven, but on God. We only have a chance to be saved because of God’s plan.

We were lost, but then God came … 12You knew nothing of that rich history of God’s covenants and promises in Israel, hadn’t a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. 13 Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything.

Not what man achieved. The whole attempt to save us comes from God. And we must concentrate on that.

On my way to Yzerfontein I picked up an elderly woman along the way. She was on her way to Darling.  When I stopped to pick her up, I saw her putting her hands together thanking the Lord for the lift. 

She had cancer of the throat and had to talk through a tube.  She gestured how grateful she was that I had stopped, because you see, she had prayed and knew that the Father would provide. 

A CD of Drie van die Bestes was playing in the car and the next song was: My eyes can see the glory of the coming of the Lord!

The two of us sang along. I sang and she gestured with her hands, because she had no voice.

With the tears running down my face I struggled to see the road ahead.  I haven’t felt so small and humble for a long time.

This woman understands what it is like to live close to God. She doesn’t have much, not even a voice, but still she believes and trusts in God. She believes everything comes from God. She doesn’t have any manmade things to cling to. Everything she has she has out of grace and that is sufficient for her. Jesus’ blood is more than enough.

Scripture

Ephesians 2:11-18

Reflection

How much do you depend on manmade things?

How much do you trust in God alone?

Is Jesus’ blood enough?

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for your Son’s blood that reconciled me with You. Thank you that I can know that nothing more is required for my salvation. I trust that You will walk the road with me so that I can live a life of obedience to You. Amen