Last week, when I arrived at community group, Steve had left instructions for us to discuss the importance of unity in the church according to Ephesians 3.
In Ephesians 3, Paul describes his calling to make known the mystery of God. This mystery that has been hidden for ages is that the Gentiles (non-Jews) are fellow heirs with the Jews, God’s chosen people, of the promises and grace of God. And, the plan for revealing this mystery to the world? The church. Ephesians 3:10 says, “…through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known.”
In our differences. In our variety. In our willingness to worship together, unified as joint-heirs of God’s grace, we, the church, demonstrate the manifold wisdom of God.
Paul goes on to say that it is “for this reason …” he bows and prays that they would be strengthened with power, that Christ would dwell richly in their hearts, and that they’d have the ability to grasp the heights and depths of God’s love, filled with the fullness of God.
I’ve ALWAYS loved that part of the chapter, often prayed that for others. But, only recently did I begin to understand Paul’s heart in that prayer. His heart is to pray all of those wonderful things for them (for us!) so that they’ll be able to rightly display the manifold wisdom of God. When we grasp the fullness of Christ at work in us, his willingness and ability to unite us, we more gloriously display Him to the world!
And, the chapter closes with my absolute favorite doxology, “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.”
I’ve come to realize lately how often I read and internalize passages for myself personally that were never meant for me as an individual. They were written for the church, for me as a part of the church. They are best seen and understood through the church. The beautiful, glorious Bride of Christ.
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