OUR FATHER WHO KNEW US FROM BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD

Chapter 6 verses 1 - 9 of Paulˋs  letter to the Ephesisans, the apostle Paul reveals the mystery of the architectural groudwork that was laid before the foundation of the world where institutions of humanity such as parents with children and servants with masters serve as models of honor and obedience.

Children are reminded to honor their parents in presenting how we, who are children of God, ought always to honor Him. This particular principle carries with it a metaphoric blessing such that if children honor their parents, a sure path will be set for them and their lifespans will be extended. This addendum is itself a metaphor for the eternal life that is offered to those chidren of God who honor Him and obey Him.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul, brings out a metaphoric connection between human fathers  and God the Father where he decribes a type of fathering that is not oppresive such that it instigates the negative reaction of children but rather is preccupied with the teaching and guiding towards the things of God. This model presents Godˋs own preoccupation with His children where He teaches and guides them continually to grow towards Himself.

As christians who are maturing in Christ, we voluntarily accept the role of bondservant ( a servant who publically and permanently commits his life to the service of God ) and this is parallel to the institution of master and servant on earth. In this case, Paul adjures servants to be sincere in their service to their masters and not to do the bare minimum but rather to serve with reverence towards their masters. This is a pattern of how bondservants of Christ should be sincere and reverent towards their chosen master who is Christ. In an unexpected turn, Paul reveals that service rendered towards earthly masters, even though set up as a metaphor,  is still counted as service to the Lord and will be rewarded by Him.

Lastly, masters are adjured to abandon fear tactics to intimidate their servants. Even as they are masters on earth, they should remember that they have an impartial Master in heaven and their own conduct towards their servants will be recompensed upon them.

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

Amen.

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