Slices
Prepare
Reflect on the day ahead, or the day just gone. What makes/made it significant? Some things seem so urgent, but are they so important? Could some words and actions have lasting consequences?
Bible passage
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Praise for spiritual blessings in Christ
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfilment – to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
11 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, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.
Explore
You can’t fail to be impressed by the massive scale of Paul’s vision here. It encompasses the whole of creation and the whole of time, taking us into the very purposes of God.
This grand vision brings a challenge: either we can have a life all about us, which is ultimately insignificant; or we can have a life of huge significance, which is not about us. Jesus Christ is the centre of this vision. The phrase ‘in him’ is repeated like a drumbeat in creation (v 4), redemption (v 7), and in the conclusion of everything (v 10). If we are ‘in him’, our lives take on eternal meaning.
For Jews, the Jerusalem Temple was the place of meeting with God. This passage presents Jesus as the true ‘temple’ where heaven and earth come together (see John 2:19). At the centre of this mystical passage is one very physical phrase: ‘through his blood’ (v 7). This entire drama pivots on the gruesome execution of one man on a particular day on a particular piece of earth.
Through this one event, all the details of our lives can become significant.
Respond
Everything God has done for us in Christ is ‘to the praise of his glorious grace’ (vs 6,12,14). Allow what you have read today to stir up in you praise and gratitude to God.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezekiel 18,19; 1 Peter 1
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Bex Jignasu as she seeks to build strong relationships with Mission Partners across England and Wales. Ask God to grant clarity as she supports trustees, strengthens systems, nurtures collaboration and helps partners deliver faithful, life-changing ministry to children and young people.
Help children discover the heart of Christmas
Give children more than the excitement of Christmas. Help them discover the hope, joy and good news of Jesus through fun, engaging and easy-to-use resources for children, families, churches and schools.
Whether you’re planning a Christmas event, session, gift or outreach, these resources make it simple to share the true meaning of Christmas in ways children can connect with and remember.
Ready to share the heart of Christmas?
🎄 Find your Christmas resources
📘 Also available from your local Christian bookshop.
