Desperate Times
Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians is a powerful letter that is rich in theology as well as the essence of practical godliness. The themes are simultaneously sublime and extravagantly pragmatic in the Christian’s daily life. One bible commentator has distinguished three central convictions that emerge from this letter: (1) God has acted through his Son Jesus Christ to adopt believers as His children and to plant a bright future for them; (2) The story of Jesus – His death, resurrection, ascension, coronation, and lordship- is not a distant, meaningless one. Rather, believers participate in these events and live as part of Jesus’ own story; and (3) God has acted in Christ to create a new reality, the church, that’s composed of Jews and Gentiles alike.
The summary admonishment the “jailbird preacher” (see 6:20) gives to us is found in today’s scriptural passage: “Be very careful, then how you live- not as unwise, but as wise. . . So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.” Eph.5:15-17 [NIV and MB].
This worldview and experiential connectivity with Jesus, resulting in a dynamically dependent relationship with the Savior does not happen by accident or coincidence and definitely not by osmosis. It is deliberate, intentional, and incessant. Why? Because we live, move, and exist in extremely desperate times. The desperation that characterizes our days – what Paul refers to as “days of evil” (6:13) – flows from the reality that God’s arch opponent, Satan and his evil angels is our avowed enemy. His sole objective is our physical and eternal destruction, by any means necessary.
This is why Paul’s advice is so critical: “Make sure you understand what the Master wants.” Eph.5:17. Paul enumerates how this is to be realized in our lives. He establishes the primacy of God’s weaponry: “Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued . . . God’s Word is an indispensable weapon.” Eph.6:13-18.
If we are to possess and maintain a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, then we must “eat the book” as God told Ezekiel. Ezekiel 3:1-3. As we consume the Word, or as Jesus said, “eat my flesh,” (John 6:53) and “drink theSpirit of God, huge draughts of him,” (Eph.5:18), then our relationship with Jesus will continue to grow as we live by His Kingdom of Heaven principles.
While the days of evil are steeped in desperate times, we are neither discouraged nor dismayed because we are anchored and secure in the Rock of our salvation. He is our strong tower, our strong defense, the Captain of our salvation.
Because of Him!