Scripture Text: Ephesians 3:8-10
so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 3:10
Within the discussion of Paul in his epistle to the believers in Ephesus, what we must not miss is his continuous exaltation of the abundant and overflowing grace of God in the person of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. The legitimacy or the validation of our hope and glory as it was discussed clearly how it was greatly tied up in Paul’s ministry [apostleship], which is an overflow only of the glorious redemptive work of the Christ, is the solid ground and foundation of our future glory – partaking in Christ’s glory. Here we see that it was all of God’s grace! And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. So, in Christ Jesus, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone!
Proceeding further in Paul’s epistle, as he shifts again in glorying in the Lord’s amazing grace, we can continue to see more clear the connection of the same grace that made Paul as an apostle, and the legitimacy of his gospel [God’s gospel] that the believers in Ephesus and even we have believed and placed our whole hope: “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places (vv.8-10)”. First, it was made clear that no person can make a self-appointment as apostle or even minister of the Lord. It is the Lord’s sole decision and sovereignty alone that can make a man as an apostle or minister. The calling, the task, the message, and even the empowerment needed is the Lord's! In light of this grace, Paul sees and is completely aware his own unworthiness that produces not false, but true humility, since he persecuted Christ and the church. In continuous consideration of this same grace, he is endowed in the task and greatest privilege of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone the concealed glorious plan of the Lord, through His saints [the church] even the angels and those who have fallen – who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling.
In the Lord’s limitless grace, we see how God’s incredible work in the Son, the real identifier of Israel, reconciled two hostile groups into one body, the church. And again, in the Lord’s amazing grace, He has made the church as the means of displaying His wisdom. Now, as the church (multi-ethnic) continues to exist, the task to showcase the wisdom of the Lord will be accomplished for the glory of God’s grace. As the church continues to grow in unification, the wisdom of the Lord is showcased even more, as the Lordship of Christ, the Lord of the universe is exalted all the more!
Dear saint, in the Lord’s wisdom you have been made part of the church – His body. See your born-againness therefore as a display of God’s unsearchable wisdom, granting you equal standing with the Son of God Himself, as you have been made co-heirs with Him. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” Continue to hope in Him, as He is all that we need, and all that we have!
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 really now 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, once more I come before You in the name of Your Son, to give You praise, honor, and glory that You deserve from me, poor, vile, unworthy sinner, saved by Your grace. According to this same grace, Father, please continue to make me see my blessedness in being in Your Son, that I may continue to possess an unwavering faith and hope in Him, who is my greatest portion. May comprehend this glory that I have in Him, that I may continue to become a bold follower of Your Son. Please, Father, according to Your rich grace, allow me to grow in this. I pray and ask this, in the name of the Messiah. Amen.
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