Living Out God’s “Purpose of the Ages”

Part 1

Scriptures

..…that there might be made known now to the principalities and the authorities in the heavenly places, through the assembly, the manifold wisdom of God, 11 according to a purpose of the ages, which He made in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have the freedom and the access in confidence through the faith of him, Ephesians 3:10–12 (YLT)

 for God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29 (NLT)

Introduction:

God’s eternal purpose (i.e. His “Purpose of the Ages”)  is not abstract or distant—it is both deeply personal and cosmic (watch out you “authorities in the heavenly places” and hold that thought saints!) His plan, rooted in love, is to gather a family, form a bride, build a body, and raise up a new humanity to fulfill His purposes on earth. Through these different metaphors, we are invited to grow in our understanding of the fullness of His vision and our part in it. I CHOSE ON PURPOSE THE YLT version above to highlight one word - ASSEMBLY!  That word is so much better than the one used in most of our paper Bibles. 

I live in Florida but I spent most of my life in California. LIke most state governments, we had two houses that made up the legislature. We had a Senate and we had an Assembly. Because its membership more accurately reflects the population distribution within any given region of its district, the Assembly has a larger number of members. If you lived in a densely populated area there would be more members sent to the Assembly. Being part of the Assembly was not just a figurehead job. They were not “called out” for some future glory. They were called to a job in the here and now. They were a democratic legislative assembly. They were called to make a difference by representing the people of their district in their everyday lives. 

God’s purpose of the ages was meant to make a difference right now. If you are a citizen of God’s “New Humanity,” and part of the family of God, then you have the freedom and the access to be someone who makes a difference. You are,of course, meant to become like your elder brother, Jesus…for sure, because He is everyone’s “boss!” But you, right now are a remarkably blessed individual, called to participate in the grandest and most impactful endeavor in all of history!

In this series of devotionals we will reflect on how God's eternal purpose transforms us now into agents of His love, glory, life, and peace and eventually to be part of His Eternal City–the New Jeruslaem. As we dive into the key elements of this purpose, let us explore what it means to align ourselves with God’s eternal plan and to become participants in His divine calling.

God’s Eternal Purpose—A Family, A Bride, A Body, A temple, One New Man

God’s eternal purpose begins with His desire for a relationship. He longs for a family, a community of believers, that reflect His image and shares in His life. We are not just called to be individuals; we are called to be part of something much greater—a family, a bride, a body, a temple,  and a new man. Both in the here and now and in the age to come we will be part of the crushing of God’s enemy too! (Romans 16:20 - yes,brother and sister, the verse says under “your feet,” speaking to Roman believers in Jesus.) 

Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on what it means for you to be part of God's family. How does it shape your identity to know that you are not merely an isolated individual, but part of a greater whole, formed in His image? You and I, in Christ… belong! Let that sink in…and then ask the hard questions…Are you living in a way that reflects the unity and love God desires for His family, His bride, His body, and His new humanity? These things… humble us, and lift us up all at the same time. This “New Covenant eternal purpose of God” thing is truly glorious! 

Prayer: Lord, thank You for calling me into Your family. Help me to understand the depth of this calling and to live as a member of Your body. May I honor You as your loving and loyal bride, reflecting your purpose of the ages, your love as my Father, and your unity in all I do. Amen.

That we all may be one…so the world may know…John 17