A Verse
Ephesians 1:7-10
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
A Comment
God’s redemption, as Ephesians 1:9 tells us, is in keeping with the mystery of His grace, which has been revealed to us in Christ Jesus. And what is the mystery? In light of Paul’s talk about God’s election in Christ, we know that God has shown mercy to both Jews and Gentiles because of Christ Jesus. In other words, through Christ, the blessings of God’s redemptive work come to those who believe in Jesus. The mystery now revealed is that God’s grace has been extended to the nations in Jesus.
There has always been an expectation that the nations would be blessed and drawn to God. This is what God promised to Abraham regarding his offspring. What was a mystery is not if the nations would be drawn to God, but how the nations would be drawn to God. Paul’s point here (and in the rest of Ephesians) is that God has drawn the nations to Himself through the true Israel, God’s Chosen Son, Jesus Christ Himself. Thus, in and through Christ the mystery of God’s will has been revealed. Therefore, all things find their climax and ultimate point in Christ, which is the point of Ephesians 1:10.
A Prayer
O’ Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, from beginning to end, our salvation is Your work. Thank you for saving us. Fill our hearts with gratitude for Your grace this morning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Blessing
May the Lord hide you in His shelter in the day of trouble,
conceal you under the cover of His tent,
may He set you high upon a rock. Amen.
from Grace Be with You: Benedictions from Dale Ralph Davis
The Mystery of His Will