…when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth under one head, even Christ. 

Ephesians 1:10

Memes have invaded my family’s communications and social media. We laugh at the whimsical ways they point out extreme behaviors and nonsensical situations all around us. Memes seem to help us acknowledge the absurdities we see as biblical morality and ethics deteriorate at an ever-increasing pace. 

I recently discovered the relevancy of a cultural phrase Paul used in his letter to the Christians in Ephesus and, surprisingly, the unique way it addressed the conflicting situations they confronted as believers living in a pagan culture. 

Paul listed some amazing spiritual blessings they’d received as believers: adoption as sons and daughters, redemption, forgiveness of sin and the privilege of knowing the mystery of God’s will in Christ. The phrase that follows is what had a gentle, settling effect on my heart, to bring all things in heaven and on earth under one head, even Christ. I learned that the Ephesians would have understood that phrase to mean an “adding up,” adding numbers to reach a “total.”  Today we might say that in a world of confusion, we look forward to the time when everything will “add up” and make sense. That will happen when Christ is the leader/headship of all. What a relief that will be! 

Until that time, I will rest in the realization that life just doesn’t “add up” without faith that God is in control. One day, when times have reached their fulfillment, God will bring all things in heaven and on earth under one head, Jesus Christ. What a glorious day that will be!

Father, thank You that You are in control even when everything around me feels chaotic. I choose to rest in faith that one day You will bring everything under Your just leadership, and I will be free to revel in Your absolute righteousness.

Linda Les