7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
– Ephesians 3:7 (ESV)
How did you get where you are?
Without context this question can be answered a number of ways. For example, I’m in Lancaster. So, I could answer that I got here by moving from Altoona. More specifically, I’m sitting in my office at 651 Lampeter Road. In this case I could answer that I got here by driving from my house this morning. To be even more specific, I’m sitting at my desk just after lunch. So, I could answer that I got to my desk by walking from the kitchen.
You’re probably getting the point by now, but let’s emphasize it just a bit more. Think about where you are in life. How did you get where you are? Honestly, for me, it's been a long journey from Altoona to sitting here at this desk writing a Pastor's Note in preparation for Sunday’s sermon. Wow! The question takes on a whole new significance when you think of it from that vantage point. How about for you? What's your journey been like? How did you get where you are?
Interestingly, in the verse above, the Apostle Paul makes it abundantly clear that’s it’s the grace of God that’s gotten him where he is. And while this may seem like the right answer for a “minister,” as he calls himself, the reality of his answer takes on a whole new meaning when we realize he’s sitting in a prison cell. That’s right. Paul will be the first to tell you he got were he is, even prison, by the grace of God. He knew it was all part of his calling.
It's important to notice that he says he was called to be a minister according to the gift of God’s grace and he’s able to carry out his calling through the working of God’s power. And friend, the same is true for you. You are where you are by the grace of God. And He has you there because He wants to use you right where you are. This is true for every single person He has called. In our text, Ephesians 3:1-13, we're going to see how the Lord has given us all a common cause. In preparation for Sunday's sermon take some time to consider where you are and how you got there. And then pray and ask the Lord to show you His grace and give you the power to serve Him where you are.
See you all on Sunday in the Worship Center at 651 Lampeter Road.
Here is the worship set to help you prepare your heart.
Love you Church,
Jerry Lingenfelter
Senior Pastor