Have you ever felt lost on your journey throughout life? Have you wondered if and where you belong? Wondering what your purpose is?
That’s because you were once a foreigner. A stranger in this land called earth. The ruler of the earth is crowned with deception and disobedience. He moves and tries to claim his authority leaving one feeling trapped in discouragement and disappointment. Leaving you feeling shackled to shame and poverty.
But there is hope. There is a marvelous, life-giving, thirst-quenching Messiah that came to set the captives free. There is a Ruler that has conquered all. His name is Jesus.
For those who believe in Jesus, there is a break in the hostility you once endured. There is freedom from the shackles that held you captive. You don’t have to be held by the things that once ensnared you. There is a glorious future ahead of you.
Your days are numbered. Each one of them is counted as special and divinely appointed:
“For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Notice that Paul says it is for good works, not by good works. “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8)
It is such a beautiful gift; this gift of grace. By God’s grace, His Son Jesus has come. He’s torn down the walls that divided the privileged Israel from the rest of us. He’s brought peace for all and created a family with His sacrificial gift.
Then, by your faith in this gracious gift of Jesus, from God the Father, you are compelled to do good works as an offering back to the Lord. Your works are creating a beautiful masterpiece that will one day be revealed. You see, every person you connect and show Christ to is leaving an everlasting mark. It’s building a foundation of sorts. A beautiful, strong sanctuary.
“So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. The whole building, being put together by Him, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord. You also are being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-21).
Each person that comes to Jesus is another block being added to the eternal dwelling of God Himself. This beautiful architecture of people making up the church; the temple of God.
The apostles and prophets worked hard to show proof of Jesus’ story. He began the strong foundation and they laid blocks on top of it. Then the early church came along and laid the next layer. Then the next group came along. Together, as one body and one family, we all continue to share the gospel and lay the blocks that are building a radiant, everlasting masterpiece for the Most Holy God.
Therefore, your work is never in vain. The “good works, which God prepared ahead of time” for you are a special piece to this grand puzzle. The gospel has been given to you now to carry on. This precious and most valuable truth has been passed down from generation to generation. God designing your special piece specifically for your unique gifting. A special purpose that only you can fulfill.
Who are you going to continue to lay foundations with? Are you listening to the Spirit’s promptings? Are you living your life worthy of the gospel? Do you see this magnificent gift as a treasure to behold and to share?
Your own wandering can cease. Your burdens of shame, guilt, listlessness, and discouragement are over. Look up dear child. Believe in Jesus, and know that you too are a part of the family of the Most-High God. See that you are part of a sanctuary of a multitude of other believers that have run this race before you. Keep this building project going. Because one day this earth as we know it will end. The “ruler” will be crushed and The Right Ruler will reign. He will come for His own one last time. And all things Beautiful, Peaceful, and True will continue on into eternity. What a glorious, amazing family we will be.
