June 07, 2019: SOAP #3473:  Ecclesiastes 4-6; Psalm 18; Ephesians 3

Scripture:  Ephesians (NIV) 3:10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Observation:   God’s wisdom is displayed in the working out of His eternal purposes. They are purposes He has had since eternity past and will reach into eternity future!  NOTE:  It is not his eternal purpose which he is going to accomplish—NO—he has accomplished it (past tense) in Christ Jesus!  It was accomplished on the cross!   There is nothing more to be done for them to be accomplished! We need only accept them by faith and walk in them, enjoying their benefits, and praising God for His GREAT GRACE!

Application:   On June 6, much of the world celebrates D-Day.  It was the day set in 1944 for the invasion of Europe to defeat Hitler’s army.  Thirteen months later (May 8, 1945) was VE Day (Victory in Europe). The war was over; the German army surrendered; the fighting was ended.  But there was still much to be done.  The re-building started.  A new government had to be established.  Trials had to be held for war criminals.

On the cross, Jesus defeated the enemy!  The war is over!  There is now no doubt about who won the war!  Jesus won complete victory!  He is the Victor over death, hell, and the grave!  The war is over, but there is still much to do.  Now the Holy Spirit is working in and through me to enforce the Lordship of Jesus in my life, my family, and my circumstances.  We are not fighting to win victory but working to enforce the victory Jesus won!  We are not working to victory, but from victory!  Victory is not our goal; it is our starting place!!!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, your Son, Jesus fought my battle and won the victory for me!  Now, in your wisdom, you have sent the Holy Spirit to enforce that victory in and through me.  Let the anointing of the Holy Spirit work mightily in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!