“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus (living in Nokomis!)” Ephesians 1:1-2 NKJV
Going through some old boxes left by my kids, I found a copy of Alice in Wonderland. I confess to never having read the story, nor seen any of the movies. The characters, ESPECIALLY that ugly cat, just never appealed to me and seemed rather frightful. But for the second time in a week I had references to the story fall into my view. When that happens, I always WONDER if God is trying to tell me something.
Apparently this is the original story and not a children’s adaptation. Since it was written long ago, it is taking a little time to adjust to the words and writing style of the author. But even though I have only read the first chapter…I can tell you there is some WEIRD STUFF going on! It will be interesting to see if I finish.
My devotions today found me in Ephesians. It has been a little while since I have focused on that book, but I had to smile when I turned there. My Bible is so full of colored markings and notes from the past, that I need to get another Bible if I want to write any more. Like Alice and her journey, this is God’s written decree about a TOTALLY different kind of life than is available in THIS world.
The first clue that something strange is going on comes when God calls church folk ‘SAINTS!’ And on PURPOSE! Now I know me, and even ‘I’ would not define myself with such a term. But GOD does! Which means that, unless I want to fight with Him about it, I may want to give the thought some consideration. The rest of Ephesians gets even more bizarre!
Today’s world is changing dramatically and at hyper speed! It is easy to see that 2 opposing views are on the horizon for America’s future. And just like Ephesians, the 2 views require an individual CHOICE! I must decide to ‘separate’ myself (the meaning for saint) for Him and live as HE sees me. Or stay as ‘sinning Joe ordinary!’ Though it may be easier to stick with the familiar than it is to jump down a rabbit hole, God is calling me to jump!
I don’t know where this whole ‘Saint’ life will lead me. But I know God enough to know it is a WHOLE NEW WONDER to look forward to. I don’t need to know the ending since the beginning is already beyond spectacular!
Are YOU jumping in?