Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:1-3
how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
Ephesians 3:3
The very basis of our hope and glory as Christians is undeniably tied up to the apostle Paul’s legitimate apostleship and ministry. This is to say that all genuine believers in the present (even in the past), are part and fruit of the apostle’s ministry, as the Lord Himself has said that “he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” This therefore brings a great assurance and joy for those who truly believe in Paul’s gospel, knowing that this gospel is ultimately from the Lord of the good news! That’s why this is the very reason the apostle himself is strict in this reminder to the believers in Galatia, and now to us as well: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” This is also a valid reason for each believer to defend the ministry of the apostle Paul, knowing that this is from our Lord who has used the man for His glory and kingdom alone. Not that we glory in men, but we glory to the only Hero of the story – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For through Him, He has commissioned His servants that they be part of the glorious redemptive plan of God.
During this time, the apostle Paul is under house arrest in Rome as he writes this epistle or letter to Ephesus. Although the apostle Paul had been prisoner for about two years [house arrest], he never did consider himself as prisoner of any government, kingdom, king, or emperor, for he completely knew that he was under the care of the Lord who commissioned him for this ministry: “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly (vv.1-3)”. Since Paul is experiencing now what the Lord Himself had purposed for him [Paul], this imprisonment does not bring him any astonishment nor bewilderment, but he knows that this has something to do with bringing glory to Christ. What’s being made clear here as well by the apostle himself, is that his stewardship is not under his decision or choice. This is God’s sole and exclusive choice through His rich grace in Christ, for Christ’s glory alone! He [Christ] commissioned him with this special calling that comes along with spiritual gifts, authority to minister as the apostle to the Gentiles, and more importantly with knowledge! This knowledge is from the mystery revealed to him, not as something new, but what has been long concealed as the glorious redemptive plan of the Lord unfolds fully through Christ, and now with His sent away ones – the apostles. This knowledge is not kept or held back by the apostle, but proudly, profoundly, and practically shared with overflowing joy from his heart, reflecting the very same heart of the One who has sent him – the glorious Son of God, Jesus the Christ!
Dear saint, there is this great deal of assurance that we can have, knowing that what we hope for as the apostle Paul reveals to us through his epistle is directly from the Lord Himself. As he expounded the blessedness of our new reality in Christ, we see that this message is trustworthy and reliable, knowing that it is the Lord who revealed this truth to the apostle, and the gospel that he brought is the gospel of God Himself. Now continue in the faith, dear saint! Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
May your heart, dear saint, be truly captivated by this blessedness that you have in Him, and because of Him! May you find yourself, together with the psalmist, acclaiming, bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits! who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Ultimately, the enjoyment of God in Christ is the only joy and happiness with which our souls can be truly and magnificently satisfied.
Desire to know Him more, who has loved you unconditionally and eternally! Thirst and long for Him! Be in awe of Him—the darling of Heaven! He is all yours… He is all-perfect, all-holy, all-glorious!
Hear this then, dear saint: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Christ is all that we have! Christ is all that we need!
Take heart, dear saint!
Reflect
1. Is there any doubt running in your mind about the historicity and legitimacy of your Christian hope and faith?
2. Do you considered it as an enabling blessing of praising the Lord the revelation that we have through the apostle Paul?
3. Do you continue to grow in need of His grace?
4. Do you desire and long to love Him more, as you ought to be?
Remember
Every blessing from God and our Father are means to keep us back to our chief end—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! Live your life therefore for the praise of His glory, and continue to live out your blessedness in Him!
Pray
Father in Heaven, once again I thank You for Your never-ending grace, for You have commissioned the servants of Your Son to preach and teach the richness of Your grace in Him, who is worthy of all my praises. Thank You, Father, that as I look unto Your Son, You continue to strengthen, build, and enlarge my faith and hope. Please, Father, do not allow me to waiver from all Your truths, that I may keep this truly in my heart, as I await for the coming of Your Kingdom. Father, with much confidence, I will continue to trust You and Your answers, for I ask this in Your Son’ name, where all Your promises are yes and amen. Amen!
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