August 09, 2009

The Mystery

Ephesians 3:1-6

You have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you …
Ephesians 3:2

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A wonderful dimension of God’s working is the way the Lord often accomplishes his purposes through his people. Again and again, God works by sending a message to one person for the benefit of yet another. Sometimes that’s called being an ambassador. Paul was a person like that for the benefit of the Ephesians.

Paul’s message in our passage for today reveals a mystery. For many centuries there was great division between Jews and Gentiles—between the spiritual “haves” and “have nots.” The Jewish community considered Gentiles to be outside of God’s concern. But Paul announced the mystery that the good news of God’s kingdom was for all people everywhere. God was breaking down the wall of division between Jew and Gentile. That’s why Jesus gave us the Great Commission: to “make disciples of all nations,” teaching them “to obey everything” he commanded (Matt. 28:19-20).

Sharing the gospel and serving as ambassadors of this mystery go hand in hand. Every one of God’s people is a messenger. And every person around the world needs to benefit from the amazing good news of God’s grace and salvation in Christ.

All of us are channels through which grace flows. All who follow Christ share together in his promises.

Thanks be to God!

We are so grateful, Lord, that the mystery has been revealed. Thank you for including people everywhere in the promises of Christ. Help us to share this good news! 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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