Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:6-7
Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
Ephesians 3:7
We have seen how it became very vital for the apostle Paul to make a pause in his previous discussion in his epistle (1:1-2:22), to assure the believers in Ephesus (and to us as well), that these truths that they hold on to and placed their faith and hope are truly reliable, for this is from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. With that, we have seen as well by far that we who share in this same hope, who are not Jews by birth or by circumcision, we can continue in our unspeakable joy for we know that because of Christ and through Christ, we have this authentic heritage that will be fully revealed at the day of the Lord’s return.
Continuing in the apostle Paul’s writing for the believers in Ephesus (Ephesians), we have seen and we are to continue to see what has not been fully revealed in the OT times, or Old Covenant times, as this mystery brings myriads of unspeakable joy to the believers of the gospel brought by Paul, commissioned by the Lord of all creation – Jesus Christ, the Son of God: “This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power (vv.6-7)”. While it has been told in the Old Covenant Scriptures that God will bring Israel and Gentiles together as His one people, the membership of Jews and Gentiles in the church on full equality, however, was not clearly or explicitly mentioned, nor was it fully implemented in history unti Christ’s death and resurrection [exaltation] inaugurated the Renewed/New Covenant. That is, the precise mystery that was not fully revealed is that Gentiles can become part of true Israel by identification with Christ! Christ is now, and has always been the only identifier for a true Israelite. And it was on this gospel, Paul was set-apart to be an apostle of the Lord Himself, that he is a chosen instrument to carry the name of Christ to the Gentiles.
Dear saint, the extent of our blessedness as believers of the Lord Jesus Christ is never separated to the life He lived, as the One whom the Father is speaking “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” We have equal standing not just with the Hebrews, or Israelites, or Jews, but to the real Israel of God – our Lord Jesus Christ! The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ! So rejoice, dear saint! Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 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. Do you possess a great assurance and conviction in the historicity and legitimacy of your Christian faith?
2. Do you continue to grow in need of His grace?
3. 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, I come before You once again, praising and thanking You for Your wonderful love that You have bestowed upon me. Truly, to become part of Your Kingdom is indeed my blessedness, for You have given me, poor, vile, and unworthy sinner an equal standing with Your own dear Son, my Lord Jesus Christ. To be found in Him, indeed, is my greatest satisfaction, and to be blessed by Him would be my greatest consolation here on earth, as I await the glory that is to be revealed, on the day of His visitation. May I continue to learn, according to Your grace and mercy, Father, to cherish Him, who is my only needed portion in this lifetime. In His name I pray. Amen.
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