The Church's Message
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 3:10-13
The … wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms …
Ephesians 3:10
The mission of the church is to make known the “manifold wisdom of God.” But to whom does the church speak?
The most common answer is that the church should speak to people who don’t know or acknowledge Jesus Christ. That is the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20. But Paul states that through the church, God’s message is to be made known to “the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” This goes well beyond the traditional understanding of sending a missionary somewhere or giving a personal testimony in a worship service. Paul understands that the church witnesses to everything and every being. Even spiritual powers “in the heavenly realms” sit up and take notice of the church’s message.
We are sometimes tempted to limit Jesus’ saving work to our own personal relationship with God. But Christ’s work blows apart the dividing line between the sacred and the secular, between the physical and the spiritual, between what we do in the church and what we must do in the world. Everything is included in God’s design and purpose accomplished in Christ.
Today, as you serve as a witness to the gospel, remember that even spiritual authorities and powers are taking note of the message your life displays.
Thank you for including everyone and everything in your plan of redemption, Lord. Thank you for redeeming all who confess your name and believe in your Son. Amen.
About the author — Peter Borgdorff
Dr. Peter Borgdorff has been a pastor and administrator in the Christian Reformed Church for 40 years, most recently serving as executive director till his retirement in 2006. He and his wife, Janet, have five children and 14 grandchildren.
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