I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power. 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, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, Who created all things. 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, according to His eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:7-11
As I was having my own devotional time the other day, I came across these verses. Now, I have read the entire Bible several times, but somehow I never really absorbed what was said here.
Re-read this portion: 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…..
In my brow-beaten, “I must be less” state of mind, I had probably glazed over any mention that we on earth could have any influence upon heavenly things…. What does this mean? Through the church the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms?
I don’t pretend to know the answer, but I just felt the need to put this out there.
Is it possible that we have so downplayed our existence and purpose that we are missing something huge?!
God wants to use His church on earth as a way to showcase His manifold wisdom. As I researched the definition of manifold, I discovered it’s like saying, His great wisdom….to put it plainly.
God knows what He is doing. He is the One moving and shaping the church. He is the One sculpting us in His wisdom. His great wisdom.
Isn’t that amazing?!
Maybe, just maybe, instead of criticizing and complaining about the church and how it does or doesn’t function, we should be asking God for His wisdom and how we can each apply it to our walk with Him and as a part of His body.
I feel like that last sentence fell upon some of your hearts like a lead weight of conviction.
If so, then let it. Let it stir you to repentance. Let it move you to become the best representation of God’s wisdom that you can be molded into. Clearly, we are not wise on our own merit, not a single one of us, but when partnered with the Holy Spirit, we are one with Christ, our brother and Co-heir of the Kingdom.
God let Your manifold wisdom be shown through Your church, in Jesus name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 