Ephesians 1:10
“regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.”
We will often get ideas and set about to execute them. Some are short term others are long term. The same is true with God. Today's verse speaks of His ultimate goal of bringing all things together. We know this will be in heaven.
There are references to this throughout scripture. One of those passages is I Thessalonians 4:17, "After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." What an amazing event that will be. Many generations thought theirs would be the one. Many in our day think the same thing. This is called the rapture. The words "caught up" is what prompted the name.
Jesus gave a description of how that will be in Matthew 24:40,41, "At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left". What a glorious occurence for the one taken and a terrifying event for the one left behind.
Many think this will happen just prior to the tribulation. John wrote the book of Revelation. Chapter 3 was about the church. Chapter 4:1,2 says, "After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.' Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and someone was sitting on the throne." Many commentators think John experienced the rapture. At one moment, he's on the earth with the church, then a voice says, "Come up here", and he is in heaven. What happens next is the tribulation.
What an amazing unfolding of God's plan. There is so much global madness happening now, things certainly feel ripe for this. God is in control. We all are like puppets. I wouldn't say He makes it all happen, particularly the bad things. He knows how we will behave. He honors choices and assists when asked. He is never shocked. He knows the choices that will be made.
Time unfolds events and eras. It will all culminate with the earth era at an end and thus eternity will seal all choices and destinations. God wants all to be saved. Today's verse has all who follow Him in heaven. Eternity's door will open to His Kingdom. Jesus' prayer will be fulfilled, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done...". Evil won't be present. All there are those who have sought His will and have enjoyed His fellowship. We will no longer have to "lay aside every weight or encumbrance" as there will be none there. There will be no more sadness. Revelation 21:4 says, "and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”
Lord, thank You for Your plans for us. Thank You that it all culminates with You in heaven forever.