The In-Crowd (Ephesians 1:5)

Dozens of people pushed and maneuvered to enter the restaurant. An imposing three stories, it was one of the most difficult restaurants in Southern California to secure a reservation, and I was there! A colleague of mine was a minority owner in the restaurant and he arranged to have a medical continuing education conference held in the exclusive top-floor meeting room. We were escorted to our seats and were greeted with an open ceiling that revealed a star-lit sky. What could top this? We immediately found out.

“Hey everyone.” My colleague, who was also the host, interrupted us. “I just want to tell you that Penelope Cruz and Selma Hayek are on the first floor doing a film shoot for an upcoming special. I’m telling you so you don’t go downstairs and gawk. They don’t want to be disturbed.”

During the first break, I scrambled to the first floor. In a corner booth, were the two celebrities, surrounded by their film crew and security entourage. And at that moment, Aston Kutcher, another owner, walked in. Wow! I was finally in a restaurant with the in-crowd! I am not one to follow celebrities and their lifestyles, nor am I always in step with the latest trends, but it was still exciting to be in this situation. It gave me great pleasure. However, like 90% of all restaurants, within five years it was closed, replaced by another restaurant catering to the in-crowd.

Over forty years ago, I was introduced to another in-crowd. This one was not the darling of the social media or the mainstream press. Like the restaurant, I did have to know someone. Unlike the restaurant, it was not a temporary association. It is an eternal relationship. 

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 

Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)

When I confessed and repented of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I became part of the family of God. It was the supreme in-crowd, never to fade away or replaced by another. The most beautiful part of this crowd is I did not chose it, God chose me before I was even born. 

Praise God for His grace and mercy!

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.