View here: https://bit.ly/421iPtr
This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 for surely you have already heard of the commission of God's grace that was given me for you, 3 and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, 4 a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God's grace that was given me by the working of his power. 8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; 10 so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. (Ephesians 3:1-12 NRSV)
Dear Friend, did you know we are blessed by God by His having revealed so many things kept as mysteries in ages past, but which we count now as revelations of God's love. Rejoice! Make a joyful noise and start sharing what is awesome for all to know!
I have no idea of navigating through any video games, save for maybe Pong or Ms. Pac-Man. My grandsons have tried, but grandpa simply says, "No entiendo" to Nintendo. I've tried, honest I have, but just this morning my four year-old asked me to watch him as he played a new game and all I could see was his character walking over solid bridges and then waitng for floating birdges to get him from one area to another. There are spideers and there are two characters that he calls grandma and grandpa. I think they're sacrifitual lambs. I thought back to the days where a stick and a cardboard box were all I needed to be a knight battling dragons, or a GI battling the Axis forces in Europe. I am of a certain age, and my grandchildren of their own certain age; what I have seen, learned, experienced, and witnessed, most of which was good, I pray they will also experience; but the bad that they will be spared those. May the mysteries of God's love overflow with true revelation on them. Our text today in a way says the same thing.
In Ephesians 3:1-12, Paul speaks of the great mystery of God's will—once hidden, now revealed through Christ. This mystery is not a secret to be kept, but a glorious truth to be shared. It is the revelation that the Gentiles, non-Jews, are included in God’s promises, heirs together with the Jews, and partakers of the same body in Christ. Paul is overwhelmed by this grace, and despite his own unworthiness, he is entrusted with the task of proclaiming this truth.
For the early Christians, this was a radical and transformative revelation. The gospel was no longer reserved for a particular group of people but was meant for all, regardless of race, status, or background. The cross of Christ leveled all distinctions, and through the church, God’s manifold wisdom would be made known to the heavenly realms and the world.
Paul calls this "the boundless riches of Christ"—an inheritance of grace, peace, and unity that is open to all who believe. What was once a mystery is now clear: God’s love is for everyone.
This message, though initially shocking to some, was and is meant to bring people together. It is a gospel of inclusion, a gospel of hope, and a gospel of unity. As believers, we are called not only to receive this grace but also to proclaim it, sharing the love of Christ with all people, regardless of where they come from or what their past holds.
Paul’s own life is a testimony to this truth. He was a former persecutor of Christians, yet God’s grace reached him and transformed him. Now, he suffers for the sake of the gospel, but he sees it as an honor—because it is through such suffering that the truth of Christ is further revealed.
Paul urges the Ephesian church to not lose heart because of his sufferings. Instead, he encourages them to embrace the boldness that comes with knowing Christ. The message of the gospel gives us confidence to approach God, not with fear or hesitation, but with boldness, knowing that we are invited into the family of God. We have been given access to the Creator of the universe through Jesus Christ.
When we live in the light of this revelation, we are empowered to live differently—no longer bound by the divisions of the world but united in Christ. We are called to be agents of reconciliation, bringing the love and grace of Christ to everyone we meet.
This boldness is not just for Paul or the apostles. It’s for all of us. The church has been entrusted with the wisdom of God, and through our lives and our witness, God’s truth is made known in the world. We are His living testimony of His love and grace.
PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for revealing the mystery of Your grace to us. We rejoice that through Jesus Christ, we are all heirs of the promises You made. Thank You for making us part of Your family, regardless of our past or where we come from. We pray that we would never take this grace for granted, but rather, that we would live boldly, sharing Your love and wisdom with the world around us. Help us to be a church that reflects Your unity, a church that breaks down walls of division and invites everyone to experience the riches of Christ. Give us the courage to boldly proclaim the gospel, to reach out to those who are far from You, and to offer the hope of reconciliation through Christ. We ask for Your strength and Your peace, especially in times of suffering. May we, like Paul, endure for the sake of the gospel and find joy in being a part of Your eternal purpose. In Jesus’ strong name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Who are the people in your life—near or far—who need to hear the message of Christ’s inclusive love? Take a step today to reach out, whether through words, acts of kindness, or a prayer for someone. Remember, the mystery has been revealed: all are invited into God's family. How will you share this good news?
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
