April 17th | God is In Control

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS 

GOD IS IN CONTROL  

Ephesians 1:11-12 “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.” 

Gambling has become a huge industry in the United States. A person can place a bet on almost anything. Note all the advertising done by the gambling companies to lure you into placing bets on football, basketball, baseball, the elections, etc. There is always a disclaimer in the advertising that tells you to bet responsibly. The reason for this is the gambling industry is always nervous knowing that winning is random. No one can win every time.   

The Greek word for “chosen” was used in that culture for “the casting of dice (lots.)” It was also used in their religious culture referring to gods randomly choosing who to bless and not bless. The word “chosen,” found in today’s devotional verses is taken from this same Greek word. However, Yahweh’s choosing is not random. He choses according to His plan (see yesterday’s devotion.) 

God is in control. God chooses “in conformity with His will.” His choosing is motivated by His unconditional love for all people. He desires good for all. His goal is that you will put your hope in Christ for the praise of His glory.” He wants “ . . . all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  

As a result of God’s choosing, St. Peter writes, “ . . . you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. . .” (1 Peter 2:9) God’s choosing you was not some random act. He chose you that you will declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:12 says that even though you live in a pagan world, it is His desire you “ . . . live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing me to put my hope in Christ. Amen. 

My hope is built on nothing less   Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;  No merit of my own I claim   But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. Refrain:

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand. 

When darkness veils His lovely face,   I rest on His unchanging grace;  In ev’ry high and stormy gale  My anchor holds within the veil. Refrain: 

His oath, His covenant and blood   Support me in the raging flood;  When ev’ry earthly prop gives way,   He then is all my hope and stay. Refrain: 

When He shall come with trumpet sound,  Oh, may I then in Him be found,  Clothed in His righteousness alone,  Redeemed to stand before His throne! Refrain:

(LSB 575)