Bread Before His Presence (Ephesians 1:11)

EPHESIANS 1:11 says that our names are known by the Father, and He wrote down our names, individually, and chose us specifically, for the boundless inheritance that He has established for us to share in now, that has no limitations or restrictions, only constant increase; expansion; and development. This choosing; calling; inheritance, was displayed for all to see, in the spiritual realm, so that it is known, and established forever, by the effective force of His power released, according to His plan, which was extensively deliberated and determined; in total agreement with His will.(Paraphrase)

[The paraphrase attempts to capture some of the more distinct meanings and nuances of the individual Greek words, set in motion in Ephesians 1:11].

COMBINATION

What is always amazing, is that the Greek language can be so precise and colorful, in it's individual imagery, but it also contains underlying meanings, when certain words are used in combination with one another.

NAMES WRITTEN

(kleroo), [2820, Strong's] speaks of individual markers or "lots", with our individual names written on them, known and read by our Father, that are separated, and individually chosen, for a specific plan and purpose. However, the root of this word, was not the separating of pieces of wood; markers; or what we would call dice, but rather, the breaking off of individual pieces of bread, set aside for a specific purpose. On it's own, this is not significant, but this underlying meaning gains prominence when joined with (prothesis), [4286, Strong's], translated "purpose" in the KJV, but speaks of the "open displaying" of something.

BEFORE the LORD

(Prothesis) is the combination of (pro), "before", and (tithemi), "to place". The word is used exclusively in the OT Septuagint (LXX) [the Greek translation of the OT scriptures], for the placing of the showbread before the Lord, in the Holy of Holies. The bread would be prepared, and left before the presence of the Father for 7 days, and on the 7th day, the priests would eat the bread, as representative of all of Israel, partaking of the figure of Christ, the bread of life, to sustain and provide for the whole body.

SUSTENANCE

What is strong symbolism, is that bread is equated with the word of the Father, and that man does not live on the natural bread, but whatever the Father speaks, is the sustenance that sustains and gives life. (Deut.8:3; Matt.4:4; Lk.4:4).

DISPLAYED

What is also amazing, is that the imagery in Ephesians 1:11, is referring, not to Christ, specifically, but to each individual member of the body of Christ, "broken off", like bread, and separated; or chosen, for their particular function, and "displayed" for all to see, according to the imagery, before the presence of God.

HIS PRESENCE

These two words, when used together, form the imagery of each of us individually, "broken off", like pieces of bread, from the main loaf of Christ Himself, and as there are 7 days in a week, so we are daily before the presence of God, our Father, partaking of His word and presence, and after 7 days of being in His presence, we can provide the sustenance of life, to other members of the body of Christ, having been daily, in His presence ourselves.

LIFE GIVING

Whatever we have, individually, is not for our benefit, but it is designed to be given, like life giving bread, to strengthen and nourish the rest of the body. However, as the symbolism and metaphors suggest, as we daily, spend time in His presence, 7 days a week, then all the body can benefit from the life we have received from the presence of our Father, and freely partake of what we have been given to offer.

You Are God's Best and God's Best is Yours