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Good morning dear friends, we begin another week together today, it’s Monday!
I wonder if you are among those who used to dread Monday’s? Do you suppose, for the disciples, as they ‘walked with Jesus’, Monday was simply another great day filled with potential, as they woke up to a day that might include miracles, or new powerful teaching or. . .who knows what, when you are ‘walking with Jesus’? So, that’s our attitude today… let’s go through this day with our eyes wide open, watching for what Jesus might do!
We’re in Ephesians 3 today, in our journey of following the chronological spread of the Gospel, in the years following Jesus’ return to heaven. Paul loves declaring his identity when he writes his letters, do you notice that? Look at 3:1 “…I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles…” What do you think of his use of the word ‘prisoner’ here? What do you think he’s trying to convey to the Gentiles? Do you hear resentment or bitterness or anger? Or do you hear almost boasting in the privilege given to Paul?
May I offer this image? A ‘prisoner of war’. We understand that concept don’t we? A great spiritual war is raging for the soul of every person, every family, every community, every nation, do you agree? The dark kingdom is determined to do all it can to keep every person, family, community and nation enslaved in bondage to sin, self-destruction and evil. Jesus is determined, may I say, to fight to the death, for the ransom of every person, family, community and nation.
The battle rages moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day. Paul sees himself as rescued from the hold of the dark kingdom, but also rescued from the stronghold of the Jewish law and traditions, so that he can now…in full allegiance to Jesus Christ, focus all his energies on bringing the Gospel to Gentiles, those people he used to hate! In other letters Paul refers to himself as a ‘bond servant’ of Jesus! Fully dedicated, to one passion and purpose…to see as many Gentiles delivered by Jesus, as possible! So, how would you describe your driving life passion?
Notice in verse 2-6, Paul reminds his readers of the unique calling from God he has received and how he has dedicated almost every waking moment, since that Damascus road encounter with Risen Jesus, to bringing the Gospel to people who’ve never heard it. Do you notice 3 times Paul uses the word “mystery”. I think that was one of Paul’s favorite words, because he uses it often. And what’s the mystery here? “This mystery is that through the Gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” (Ephes. 3:6)
I realize it’s hard for us to grasp it, but for them…both Jews & Gentiles, this concept of them being united together in Christ Jesus as part of this Jesus movement, both saved by the same atonement sacrifice of Jesus on the cross; both indwelt by the same Holy Spirit; both adopted by the same Almighty God, our heavenly Father; both having the same promise of eternity in heaven…together!!! That was simply beyond logical, beyond reason. It was a mystery that no one could explain!
But do you see that in the following verses, 7-13 Paul insisted he had received this directly from Jesus and it was true! That it was Paul’s privilege, a “gift of God’s grace” to be the one now communicating this mystery to all who would hear him, Jew, but especially Gentile, anywhere in the known world!
Look closely at verse 9,10,11 my friends. Paul declares that this mystery of Jesus was hidden, unknown by even the most religious, over the past centuries, but that NOW the time had come, in their generation, to be the people who were blessed of God, to have the mystery explained, and evidenced in changed lives! “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…” (Eph. 3:10)
We’ve talked about this before haven’t we? “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” is likely a reference to angels, (both holy and fallen) watching with amazement, this remarkable mystery, actually taking place here on earth. Sinful human beings, actually forgiven by Holy God, because of the sacrifice of His Son on the cross.
And then, those forgiven sinners, actually adopted into God’s family, and united together as God’s people, called out from the darkness, in which they used to be enslaved, and thus Jesus called them “church” (called out ones)! And these remarkable rescued people, actually living with the Holy Spirit of God in them!
Peter wrote: “Even angels long to look into these things.” (1 Peter 1:12) Peter and Paul both meant, the angels see it, but they just can’t grasp it, understand it…it’s such a mystery to them!
My friends, the church, you and me, and Christ ransomed, transformed, followers of Christ around the world, should be a living mystery! Unexplainable in normal human terms. God’s desire is that our world simply stands amazed, shaking their heads, when they watch God’s people live their lives as Spirit filled followers of Jesus everyday!
But more….God’s desire is that many watching people would conclude…“I need that, I want that for my life! How can I get what ever it is those people have, so I can live like that”?!!
Then do you see my friends, in vs. 11, Paul once again calls us to recognize all this is by God’s design, His purpose from before time began! And it is ALL accomplished ONLY in Jesus Christ! Without Jesus NONE of this would be possible…NONE of it!
And do you see in vs 12 “In Him (Jesus) and through faith in Him, we may approach God, with freedom and confidence.” Now that my friends is radical, crazy! Travel around the world…visit Hindu or Buddhist temples, and watch lines of people bowing to idols and lighting incense and putting money on cement statues.
Travel to Muslim nations and watch them on their faces 5 times per day hoping Allah will hear them.
Travel to animistic Africa and watch them offer their animals in sacrifice hoping the spirits will help them.
No religion, anywhere in the world, says you may approach God with freedom from your sin, and confidence God will receive you in love. . .except followers of Jesus! It’s only possible, because Jesus has earned our right of entry, into that wonderful throne room of God.
Listen to how the writer of Hebrews said it: “Therefore since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is his body, and since we have a great high priest (Jesus) over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…” (Hebrews 10:19-22)
Or also in Hebrews 4 “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Heb. 4:16) Oh my friends are you shouting inside your souls, as you consider the incredible privilege we have, to approach the throne of God, anytime, from anywhere on this planet, in any language known to mankind, only because Jesus earned our right of entry there, by His shed blood on the cross!!!
And consider this…as you enter, you need not show an ID, no drivers license, no passport, for the One you enter to speak with, is your Creator who knows you better than you know yourself, and loves you deeply, regardless of anything you’ve ever said or done! Now that my friends, is worth celebrating and praising God for, do you agree!
So…I urge you, right now, where-ever you are…take the next few moments and go on in, into the throne room of God, in the name of Jesus, and have a wonderful conversation with the God who made and loves you! And then LISTEN…to what He wants to say to you!!
Have a comment or question about today’s chapter? I’m ready to hear from you, contact me here.
Pastor Doug Anderson 262.441.8785
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus…” (Heb. 12:1,2)
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