Verse for today – “With a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth (Ephesians 1:10).”
This verse is a little bit confusing, but the basic idea is this: We are awaiting a new administration, when all things are summed up in Christ. What is this word, administration? An administration is a set of rules, or guidelines which direct how we live. For example, in the USA, in 2020, Donald Trump is the president, and he has appointed certain men and women as leaders in his administration. To a large degree, under the direction of our constitution and our congress, these officials direct how we live in the United States of America in 2020. Now think back to 2016. In that year we were holding elections; however, Barack O’Bama was still president and his policies and leadership were still in place. O’Bama’s administration was completely different from Donald Trump’s. Now whatever you think about these two men and their ability or inability to lead; whatever you think of their policies; they did determine how Americans were obliged to live under their respective administrations.
As Christians we are awaiting, and anticipating, a new administration that is up to the challenge of the end of the ages. That is the idea of the expression, “the fullness of the times” in today’s verse. In the fullness of the times, all things will be summed up in Christ. Jesus will be in charge! His administration will govern all things, both in the heavens and on earth. This is extremely good news. Our worldly governments do not know what to do with this truth! China has outlawed God! That is nothing new. Laws against God have been tried many times in the past with little success. In spite of these challenges, in the year 2020, somewhere between one fourth and one third of the world’s population claim to be followers of Christ. And Christians eagerly await Christ’s second coming. Here is one example of this eager anticipation recorded in the pages of the Bible: “For they themselves report about us what kind of reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come (1 Thess. 1:9-10).”
Fellow Christian, we are awaiting the great King. He will make all things right—both in the heavens and on earth. He will bring in true justice and equality. He will judge the wicked. He will restore joy and abundance. He will give hope and life to all things. He will wipe away every tear caused by broken and fallen humanity. His administration will be another enormous blessing, and I, for one, cannot wait to experience it!