Ephesians 4:18
“being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart”.
Our last time in Ephesians we focused on being excluded from the life of God. Today we'll focus on why they chose that condition. We are given two reasons, their ignorance and the hardness of their hearts.
The first reason given that people are excluded from the life of God is ignorance. We all would like to meet some people. The poparotzi pay large sums of money to get info on stars. While not all want to see the same people, we all have people we admire and would love to meet and talk to.
Meeting God would be the greatest of interviews. He is the most brilliant. He not only understands all the mysteries of physics, He created all those laws. Those that create and engineer would be in awe of God's creative abilities. Those in need of love and acceptance would be healed by His great love. He understands every aspect of us as well as our hurts and wounds. Those who seek fun and thrills would be amazed at Jesus walking on the water and being transported anywhere.
The interesting thing is that God is accessible to all of us. Jesus said in Revelation 3:20, "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any one hears and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him and he with Me." That's dinner and fellowship. We all can meet God.
I could imagine a salesman pitching an opportunity to meet and dine with God. Hollywood could picture it for us. If presented that way, anyone would take it. Yet it's reality. The issue is, it's not how we imagine. It's by faith and it's spiritual. But it's real. When I accepted Christ, the first thing I recall is being able to sleep. It was weeks later that I realized it. Like many, I had a difficult time going to and remaining asleep. That changed and that never left me. I still can go and stay asleep. Presently I only need about 6.5 hours of it. Oh, it is sweet. I wake up satisfied.
This is a gift God has given me. Proverbs 3:24 says, "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet." He's also given peace in my heart. Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, surpassing all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This is something all of us crave, peace.
People go to great lengths and various ways to find peace. So go within, so go to religion, some go to the east, some seek it by thrills, some seek it by pleasure, some want money or conquest. There is an inner ache which drives us. I've heard it said there is a God shaped hole in us all. It will never be filled accept by Him (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
What causes anxiety is the insecurity and the uncertainty of life. James 4:14 says, "who know not what is on the next day. What is your life? It is just a vapor, appearing for a little while, and then vanishing."
How does He help with this problem? He does know what is on the next day. He also knows us and how it'll affect us. Proverbs 3:5, says, "Trust in the Lord with all Your heart and lean not on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Problem solved. We just have to live it.
It rarely goes how we would expect. That's the thrill. Granted, I didn't always view it that way. I still don't always. But I have seen it get resolved in a way that is best for me, that I just accept it.
Jesus said, "He that has ears let him hear." Not all hear Him. We have to ask. Lord, help. We have to want it. We may be driven to Him by a problem. No shame in that. Some think so. God doesn't. He says, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest", (Matthew 11:28). Once we ask, our ears get opened. Not a lot, but enough. Like a bread crumb. Then we ask for more and more comes in His way and in His time. Like the manna that God have the Israelites, just enough.
God will not share His truth with one who doesn't value it. He calls it casting pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). If one wants God in sincerity, He will be found by Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
Why don't people seek God? It's often because they are afraid that He will take away something. The devil has been successful in marketing God as a killjoy. What many don't understand is that God created most of the things we desire and He built that desire in us. He does factor in moderation and context. Sex is a great example. It's His creation. However, it is special and meant for marriage. Outside of that it is hollow. It crosses boundaries it shouldn't. It's meant to be intimate and to create closeness.
Many choose ignorance for they are afraid their lifestyle will be affected. It may, but for the better. A second reason that many are excluded from the life of God is hardness of heart. This is the solidness of resolve of choosing ignorance. They don't want to hear it. God hardens their choice. This can be seen with Pharaoh. After hardening his own heart on multiple occasions God hardens it (Exodus 9:12).
In spite of people choosing to exclude themselves from the life of God, He still reaches out to them (Isaiah 65:2). He puts thoughts in them, He speaks through people and songs. He is seeking to draw them. If they turn to Him, He draws them closer. He says, "If you seek Me, you will find Me", (Jeremiah 29:13).
Lord, thank You for drawing us. Thank You for adoption and the rich life you give us. The richest part is You. "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."