The Way - Day 139 (Ephesians 3)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Ephesians 3:1-13
Paul begins a thought in verse 1 and then does not continue it until verse 14 so Ephesians 3:2-13 is an emphasis on the truths he had just shared in Ephesians 2. The main thought had been that division would no longer be between Jew and Gentile -they would both be one through Jesus Christ. Again, Jews did not have any respect for Gentiles and the revelation that they would now be brought together in unity within the church was hard for his readers to understand. Paul refers to this truth as a "mystery." Paul explains that a mystery was something that "in other ages" was "not made known to the sons of men." The fact that Jews and Gentiles would one day be brought together in worship of God was a truth which was hidden in the Old Testament but "has now been revealed by the Spirit to the holy apostles and prophets." Isaiah prophesied hundreds of years earlier that salvation would be brought unto the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6) but this truth was not fully realized until Paul wrote that all are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28). God had promised Abraham back in Genesis 12 that through him all nations would be blessed and now this previously hidden truth was now coming to light. Paul then explains that he has become a minister of this truth entrusted to him by God (3:6-7). The gospel would be carried to the Gentiles through the ministry of Paul and he knew that he was not worthy to do so, but Paul accepted His calling (3:8-10). Mainly, Paul preached that all (Jew and Gentile) "have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him." What an amazing challenge to us! God offers salvation to people, tongues, tribes, and nations. God uses you and I (like Paul) to carry this message to everyone. How will you respond to this truth?

Ephesians 3:14-21
In these verses we get Paul's response to the mystery revealed to Him by God. Remember that this mystery was the Jews and Gentiles would no longer be divided in their worship, but were brought together through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for their sins. The Gentiles had mostly worshipped pagan gods and oftentimes did not worship the one, true God; however, Paul was now responsible for giving the message of salvation to the Gentiles. This was a new concept for the church. Paul rejoices in this mystery being entrusted to him and now he prays that his readers would also embrace the full meaning of their relationship with God. Paul prays for several things. First, he prays that they would be "strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man." God's Spirit has the ability to provide strength for us as we submit to His word. Although the outer man is dying every day, the inner man can grow and become stronger. As the inner man grows, we are more capable of carrying out God's plans and will. Secondly, Paul prays "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge." At the core of that prayer is that believers would understand, through God's Spirit, how much they are loved by God. It is impossible to understand love without understanding God's unconditional love for us. God loves with no strings attached and loves us in spite of our sin. His love never changes and is never swayed by our actions. He loves us with a perfect love. Paul seems to be implying that when we begin to understand the love of God we will be motivated to love Him and others. When our inner man is being strengthened and we are evidencing the love of God, an amazing promise is given to the believer. God's power will work through us and "do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think." God provides this power to us so He can be glorified "to all generations." If we accomplish the work of God each day, God promises to bring glory to Himself which would continue to the next generation. Do your part - strengthen the inner man and evidence love for God and others!

Dear God, may I see Your power working through me so that Your glory will be passed to the next generation!