The Twilight Zone

Reading Ephesians 2 nowadays is like watching an old episode of The Twilight Zone. That may be foreign to some, but if you’ve never seen it, it’s an old show on TV where the premise is all about the odd, the weird and the fantastic becoming reality. Ending in a strange, unexpected twist. Pretty cool stuff in black and white

So I’m reading Ephesians 2 today and it hits me. This passage that I’ve read countless times, taught on a few occasions and referenced more than I can remember, suddenly appears different to me now.

Funny thing is, I now completely understand this text the same way that I read it today (in other words, it wasn’t a new revelation of meaning). It’s just that I haven’t been back and read and meditated on this specific book of the Bible in a while.

So when I hit it again now, I suddenly glanced back through an old lens that I used to wear when I read this passage. Here’s what nailed me:

“But don’t take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God’s ways had no idea of any of this, didn’t know the first thing about the way God works, hadn’t the faintest idea of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:11-12)

So I sat there, realizing that for most of my life, I had been an outsider to God’s way and how He works through His Son Jesus.

I’m the stereo-typical “I grew up in church” guy. As far back as I can remember, I always went to church. I was baptized at age 13. I served in leadership. I preached the Word. I led ministries. I called myself a Christian. All my life.

But I had no idea how God really worked.

I now understand God’s way and as I re-read this verse, I recognized that “I” was taking God for granted, and that “I” was an outsider to God’s ways. Even as I read and taught God’s Word on this very passage. How could that be? How could I read something and not get it?

Here’s how: religion.

That scares me to death! This is what I want to say to you today. Be super careful not to switch out Jesus for man-made activities that masquerade as being a follower of the Way of God. Please look hard at your life and your relationship with Jesus Christ today! Do you know him? Do you trust Him with your life?

Or is it about what you’re doing for Him? Is it about following your church’s system to make yourself right? It can’t be that way. We can be doing everything right on the surface and still miss knowing Jesus!

Please hear my heart on this, as I hope that all who may read this come to know Him in the right way.

How has God impacted your heart lately? Have you had any Twilight Zone moments?