Singing Before It Arrives
Word Unpacked: Devotionals in Ephesians
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Ephesians 1:11-14 (NIV)
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession— to the praise of his glory.
When do we sing? When the good news arrives. The letter comes with a yes. The hard project is finally done. The test results are clear. Most of the time, singing follows the good thing.
Paul seems to turn this upside down. He sings first, and the day he sings about has not come yet. How can anyone do that? Start with the One behind the plan. Paul says he "works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will." The One who began it is the One who finishes it. So this song does not rest on our mood. It rests on him.
But a thought rises. Nothing has arrived yet. What is there to sing about? There is a story told about people who dreamed of a new age, though not one that God had promised. Enemies were hunting them, and they had to hide in the mountains. People running for their lives pack only what they need. Yet they carried musical instruments, and in their hiding place they played and sang. They were not singing because things were fine. Think of a choir. Once the concert is booked and the date is fixed, the choir starts singing in rehearsal, long before anyone sits in the seats.
Their hope rested on a dream of their own making, and still they sang. Our hope rests on a promise God has made.
Certain hope becomes today's song.
Paul knows hope that is only a wish would fade quickly. So he says we were marked with "the promised Holy Spirit," who is "a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance." Still, some days our hearts are too heavy to sing. Our throat feels tight, and no sound comes. What then?
That's the turn. But...
