This morning I felt like reading from Paul's letter to the Ephesians. I love His letters and always am reminded of the Lord's purposes and plans, when I read Paul. I am reflecting on pretty much the whole of the third chapter this morning, letting his words resonate in me. Here are the verses - Ephesians 3:2-21 NIV:
[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, [5] which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. [6] 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."
[7] "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. [8] Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, [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. [12] In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. [13] I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory."
[14] "For this reason I kneel before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. [16] I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, [17] so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, [18] may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, [19] and to know this love that surpasses knowledge---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
[20] "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
I was just reflecting on the responsibility that Paul must have felt, know he was called to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, to be the bearer of insight into the mystery of God, revealed now through him and the rest of the Apostles. I imagine there must have been a strong assurance, on one hand, and great fear and trembling on the other, for who could comprehend the power and plan required to be the bearer of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul calls it "this grace was given me", and this represents a critical point - this is a gift. Paul didn't earn this gift, clearly, and he wasn't someone who had trained his whole life with this in mind, although God clearly used his previous training for His own (God's) glory. Paul's life was interrupted by the Lord, and the course of his lie was radically changed. Paul, in spite of this, saw this all as a great gift. Paul writes the following concerning his previous life path - Philippians 3:4-9 NIV:
[4] "..though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
"If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: [5] circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; [6] as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless."
[7] "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ---the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith."
Paul, who had so much, who was trained Pharisee, considered all of His past as garbage when compared with the opportunity to know Christ Jesus. He understood the supreme value of relationship with Jesus.
In regards to this mystery (See verses 7-13 from 3 Ephesians), it become that which drove Paul to prayer for all the churches that he was planting and encouraging. He was moved to prayer, praying that they might be filled with God's power and rooted in His Love. What a great prayer! Rooted in Love, filled with Power. Rooted, as in it being your foundation and source of all, in Love. It is from this root of Love, and through this root of love that Power then flows. Power without love, would be dangerous, and we see that everyday in people who have power in the world, but are not connected to the Love of God.
Finally, this understanding and foundation, opens to us the possibility of knowing God in the fullest possible way! Paul says this love surpasses knowledge, as in it is beyond knowledge, greater than knowledge. It is in knowing God's love that we step into greater revelation than that which is available through study and teaching. In other words, we must experience God's love for ourselves. We are called to step past our minds and allow God to open to us a realm of power and revelation that is only accessible through relationship.
God's plans and desires for us are beyond our comprehension and imagination. We an imagine much, but we can't possibly fully understand and see the masterful interconnecting, intertwining, impact that our lives will have in this world, through God's empowering. We must rely on the His guidance through Holy Spirit! God plans to be glorified through us, and that ought to fill us with great assurance and great fear and trembling!
Lord, that You might be rightfully glorified through my life, through my words, and through my actions! Help me to be rooted in Love, and filled with Your power, to understand the greatness of Your love! Amen!
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