As we were introduced to Ephesians this week, Deb noted the important context for Paul writing this book. It’s short but so packed with information. Each small paragraph could represent it’s own bible journal blog.
In this particular chapter, we hear Paul write about God’s mystery, how we are filled with grace, how we are to be rooted in love and how God works within us. Paul was experiencing his own mystery when he was writing this chapter, not knowing how his mystery would end. He kept following God’s message and sharing his word, no matter how his situation ended.
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ…
Who doesn’t like a good mystery? I did a quick search on Amazon of the best selling mysteries: Macarons and Mayhem, Mystery at Maplemead Castle, The Great Crime, The Missing One, just to name a few. There was also a book entitled The Book of Mysteries Bible Journal. While I did not have time this week to order or read it, the title caught my attention. 43 verses in the bible pop up in the category of mystery from King Nebuchadnezzar to these verses:
Luke 8:10: And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND.
Mark 4:11: And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables,
What is your favorite mystery from the bible? So many powerful verses about the God’s word, actions, and messages for us to ponder. Today’s verse is no exception as God offers us the mystery of Grace. As Teresa stated on Wednesday, God “lavished Grace upon us abundantly”. Part of the mystery is in why? If he knows we are sinful people, he gives us the chance to redeem ourselves through grace rather than continue to suffer with our sins. A wonderful mystery with a happy ending for each of us. He reminds us of why he sent his son to die for us so that we might have eternal life. God loves us and continues to show us his love for us, sometimes very clearly and other times in mysterious ways.
9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Work through your own mystery, knowing God is in charge and gives you grace, peace and love each and every day. I love the way he ends this chapter – thanks Deb for the reminder!:
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen”