Ephesians
What is the point of everything? In this letter, Paul talks about "a plan for the fullness of time" and "the mystery of God's will." Pretty important stuff to know!
And at the heart of God's purposes is unity, the gathering of all things. So, if this is the end to which God will bring all of creation, then Paul wants us to live in anticipation of that unity! Chapters 2 and 3 focus heavily on the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles and its importance, and Chapters 4-6 then articulates what this unity looks like in the Church, society, and even the household. If God will one day gather all things together as one, and our unity is a sign and foretaste of that unity, how will that affect how we relate to others and orient our life? The Epistle to the Ephesians holds a radical word of unity in an individualistic age!
Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy serves as the bridge between the books of the law and what is known as the "Deuteronomic History" (Joshua through 2 Kings) It is a summation of God's covenant and laws given to the nation while in the wilderness, while also setting the stage to explain the pattern of Israel's history in the promised land (breaking the law, falling into trouble, being rescued, re-committing). It is this looking back on the law and the wilderness experience and the looking forward to Israel's national life in the land promised that makes this a significant book.
What is the point of everything? In this letter, Paul talks about "a plan for the fullness of time" and "the mystery of God's will." Pretty important stuff to know!
And at the heart of God's purposes is unity, the gathering of all things. So, if this is the end to which God will bring all of creation, then Paul wants us to live in anticipation of that unity! Chapters 2 and 3 focus heavily on the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles and its importance, and Chapters 4-6 then articulates what this unity looks like in the Church, society, and even the household. If God will one day gather all things together as one, and our unity is a sign and foretaste of that unity, how will that affect how we relate to others and orient our life? The Epistle to the Ephesians holds a radical word of unity in an individualistic age!
Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy serves as the bridge between the books of the law and what is known as the "Deuteronomic History" (Joshua through 2 Kings) It is a summation of God's covenant and laws given to the nation while in the wilderness, while also setting the stage to explain the pattern of Israel's history in the promised land (breaking the law, falling into trouble, being rescued, re-committing). It is this looking back on the law and the wilderness experience and the looking forward to Israel's national life in the land promised that makes this a significant book.
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